realist

A realist is a person who adheres to realism—a philosophy, artistic practice, or practical approach that emphasizes a faithful representation of reality and a focus on practical consequences over idealized concepts. Realists are often characterized by attention to evidence, empirical constraints, and the limits of what can be known or achieved.

In philosophy, realism refers to the view that parts of reality exist independently of human minds. It includes metaphysical realism (the external world exists as it is), epistemic realism (our beliefs can correspond to reality), and scientific realism (science aims to describe real features of the world). Moral realism holds that some moral claims are objectively true. Political realism in international relations emphasizes state interests, power, and pragmatic calculation over ideology.

In art and literature, realism emerged in the 19th century as a reaction against Romanticism, seeking to portray everyday life without heroization or fantasy. This included detailed depictions of ordinary people and social conditions. Notable realist writers include Balzac, Flaubert, and Zola; painters such as Courbet are associated with social realism.

In other fields, realism appears in film, theater, and education as a preference for accurate representation and non-idealization, as well as in everyday speech to describe a practical, unsentimental approach.