Definition of realism
- n. - As opposed to nominalism, the doctrine that genera and
species are real things or entities, existing independently of our
conceptions. According to realism the Universal exists ante rem
(Plato), or in re (Aristotle).
- n. - As opposed to idealism, the doctrine that in sense
perception there is an immediate cognition of the external object, and
our knowledge of it is not mediate and representative.
- n. - Fidelity to nature or to real life; representation without
idealization, and making no appeal to the imagination; adherence to the
actual fact.