Realisms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The state of being realistic or true to life, involving both a literary and artistic movement characterized by truthful representation | A philosophical approach emphasizing practical considerations and the nature of reality, distinct from ideals or abstractions | The practice of adhering to facts and reality in various fields, including art, literature, and philosophy, often contrasting with romanticism and idealism
2. A movement in art and literature that emphasizes truthful representation and practical considerations, grounded in the nature of reality over ideals or abstractions
3. An approach that prioritizes the actual conditions and facts of life, within artistic and philosophical disciplines, differing from elevated ideals and romanticism

Etymology: The term "realism" traces its roots to the Latin word "realismus," which emerged in the late 19th century. In its original context, it referred to a philosophical doctrine emphasizing the existence of things independently of our thoughts or perceptions. The word itself is derived from "res," meaning "thing" or "matter," which reflects a commitment to the tangible and the concrete. By the time it began circulating in English around the early 19th century, particularly within philosophical and artistic circles, it had started to acquire a more nuanced meaning, often associated with the representation of reality in literature and art. The first recorded usage of "realism" in English appears in the 1840s, often connected to a movement in literature and visual arts that sought to depict everyday life with a focus on ordinary characters and events. This artistic movement arose in reaction to the idealism and romanticism of earlier periods, which often featured heroic figures and grand narratives. Instead, realism aimed to portray life as it was, embracing the mundane and the commonplace, and often highlighting social issues and the struggles of the lower classes. As the term evolved, it began to encompass various aspects beyond the artistic domain, including philosophical discussions about the nature of reality itself. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, realism branched into different subfields, such as moral realism, which posited that ethical truths exist independently of human knowledge. With these expansions, the word gained layers of meaning, reflecting the complexities of human perception and understanding. In contemporary usage, "realisms" may pertain to various interpretations of realism in multiple disciplines, such as literature, philosophy, and social sciences. It highlights the multiplicity of approaches to understanding and representing reality, showcasing how the term has adapted and expanded over time. The plural form encapsulates the diverse range of perspectives within the broader movement, indicating that reality can be perceived through multiple lenses, each with its own validity.

Synonyms: pragmatism, actuality

Antonyms: idealism