Realism, in the arts, the accurate, detailed, unembellished depiction of nature or of contemporary life. Realism rejects imaginative idealization in favour of a close observation of outward appearances. As such, realism in its broad sense has comprised many artistic currents in different civilizations.

As a result, the intent of realism developed as a means to tell a story as truthfully and realistically as possible instead of dramatizing or romanticizing it. This movement has greatly impacted how authors write and what readers expect from literature.

The movement aimed to focus on unidealized subjects and events that were previously rejected in art work. Realist works depicted people of all classes in situations that arise in ordinary life, and often reflected the changes brought by the Industrial and Commercial Revolutions.

What was the goal of the realist writers? The realist writers wanted people to understand the poor working conditions and labor laws in France. They also wished for people to start reforms and fight for what they believe is fair.

Realism focused on the truthful treatment of the common, average, everyday life. Realism focuses on the immediate, the here and now, the specific actions and their verifiable consequences. Realism seeks a one-to-one relationship between representation and the subject. This form is also known as mimesis.

Realism, in philosophy, the viewpoint which accords to things which are known or perceived an existence or nature which is independent of whether anyone is thinking about or perceiving them. Realism.

Elements of Literary Realism

• Realistic characters and setting.
• Comprehensive detail about everyday occurrences.
• Plausible plot (a story that could happen in your town)
• Real dialects of the area.
• Character development important.
• Importance in depicting social class.

Realists believe that there are no universal principles with which all states may guide their actions. Instead, a state must always be aware of the actions of the states around it and must use a pragmatic approach to resolve problems as they arise.

American years and political realism. Hans Morgenthau is considered one of the “founding fathers” of the realist school in the 20th century. This school of thought holds that nation-states are the main actors in international relations and that the main concern of the field is the study of power.

Aristotle

The aim of education according to realism is to give to the pupil a complete knowledge and understanding of human society human nature, motives and institutions. Education must explain to the pupil how he is related to the world of man and to the world of nature.

Realists believe that schools should promote human rationality through observation and experimentation. A lot of responsibility is placed on the teacher to have the right background and information. Realist teachers believe in the importance of experimental learning.

Educational realism is the belief that we should study logic, critical thinking, and the scientific method to teach students to perceive and understand reality. Science is above the liberal arts because of its engagement with the real world in a concrete manner.

Realism and Curriculum: Realism recommends the designing of curriculum for realistic education which enables learners to solve different problems of life and to lead a happy and successful life. Subjects of study: It prescribes to include science subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, astrology, physiology etc.

Realists tend to believe that whatever we believe now is only an approximation of reality but that the accuracy and fullness of understanding can be improved. In some contexts, realism is contrasted with idealism. Today it is more usually contrasted with anti-realism, for example in the philosophy of science.

6 Types of Literary Realism

• Magical realism. A type of realism that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.
• Social realism. A type of realism that focuses on the lives and living conditions of the working class and the poor.
• Kitchen sink realism.
• Socialist realism.
• Naturalism.
• Psychological realism.

What is another word for realism?

Realism is extremely realistic as a theoretical framework for analyzing conflict in the contemporary international system. Realism is ‘state-centric’ because realists view sovereign nation-states as the only legitimate monopolist over the use of force, which focuses solely on state behavior.

Henrik Ibsen

Another reason why realism was the dominant intellectual tradition throughout the cold war is because the emphasis placed by realist scholars on ‘competition’ in international politics was consistent with the nature of bipolar rivalry. However, all realist scholars agree on a number of core theoretical assumptions.

Non-state actors like international organizations (UN), Multi-National Corporations, and transnational actors are acknowledged by realists, but they are of secondary importance. States are the dominant actors.

Instead, Realists sought to portray “real” contemporary people and situations with truth and accuracy, including all the unpleasant or sordid aspects of life. The Realists depicted everyday subjects and situations in contemporary settings, and attempted to depict individuals of all social classes in a similar manner.

Disadvantages of Realism Great stress upon physical world. Realism accepts real needs and real feelings only. It doesn’t believe in imagination and sentiments. Realism emphasizes on scientific subjects and neglects art and literature.

Consistent realism excludes four things which appear to be essential ingredients of all effective political thinking: a finite goal, an emotional appeal, a right of moral judgement and a ground for action.

Realists are stereotypically seen as people who are very rational, who think carefully, and weight their options before making a choice. In this sense, realists make safer and more practical choices when compared to idealists, who may be willing to make more risky decisions.

Demerits of Realism:

• Emphasis on the immediate reality of the physical: World critics are of the opinion that realism ignores the ultimate reality of the spiritual world on account of its zeal for immediate reality of material world.
• Realism ignores the importance of emotions, imaginations etc.

Religious realism argues that although religions are psychological and sociological phenomena, they make truth-claims about reality, especially about unobservables like God. We consider the Christian doctrine of the incarnation as an example of religious realism.