realizmust

Realism is a broad term describing doctrines that claim reality exists independently of perception and that certain aspects of that reality can be understood through observation, explanation, and representation. The term is applied across philosophy, science, art, and politics, and its exact emphasis varies by field.

In philosophy, realism contrasts with anti-realism and idealism. Philosophical realism encompasses several strands, including scientific realism, which maintains that scientific theories describe a mind-independent world and often posit unobservables; moral realism, which holds that there are objective moral facts; and metaphysical realism, which asserts that universals or abstract entities exist independently of human thought. Debates center on the nature of truth, representation, and the reliability of perception.

In art and literature, realism refers to a 19th-century movement that sought to portray everyday life, social conditions, and ordinary people with accuracy and restraint, avoiding romanticization. Key figures include Gustave Flaubert, Honoré de Balzac, and Leo Tolstoy, with later naturalist strands influenced by realist aims.

In international relations, political realism emphasizes power, security, and state interests within an anarchic international system. Early precursors include Thucydides and Machiavelli; modern theorists include Hans Morgenthau and more recently John J. Mearsheimer, who argue that states act to maximize their power.

Critics argue that realism can be overly deterministic or ethnocentric and may neglect moral, social, or constructivist dimensions. Proponents contend that it remains a practical framework for understanding complex systems and guiding analysis. Realism continues to be refined and debated across disciplines.