idealistic

Idealistic describes a person or approach characterized by emphasis on high moral principles, noble aims, or a belief that ideas or ideals are foundational to reality. In everyday use, it often conveys optimism and a willingness to pursue lofty goals, sometimes at the expense of practical considerations; the term can also imply naïveté or impracticality when such goals seem detached from real-world constraints.

In philosophy, idealism denotes a family of positions asserting that reality is fundamentally mental, spiritual, or dependent on mind or idea. Classical forms appear in Platonic thought with its theory of transcendent forms; in modern philosophy, Kant’s transcendental idealism and the German Idealists (Fichte, Schelling, Hegel) argue that perception, reason, or structure of thought shapes experience. Berkeley’s esse est percipi is another representative view. The term is distinct from everyday moral idealism, which emphasizes ethical principles guiding action.

In social and political discourse, idealists advocate reforms or visions aligned with universal principles such as liberty, justice, or environmental stewardship, often pursuing long-term or transformative objectives. Psychologically, strong ideals can motivate action and provide a sense of purpose, but they may also lead to disappointment or burnout if outcomes fail to meet expectations or if practical constraints intervene.

Critics contend that excessive idealism can neglect pragmatic trade-offs, power relations, and feasibility, while supporters argue that principled commitments are essential for ethical progress and long-range progress, even when tempered by realism. Related concepts include utopianism and moral philosophy of idealism.