IDEALISM AND REALISM

Definition of idealism
An approach to philosophy that regards mind, spirit, or ideas as themost fundamental kinds of reality, or at least as governing ourexperience of the ordinary objects in the world. Idealism is opposedto materialism, naturalism, and realism.

Definition of realism
Practical or pragmatic (as opposed to idealistic or visionary) orientation that relies on 'hard facts,' andconsiders things as they are and not on what they might or should be. In politics, realism is called realpolitik.

PHILOSOPHY IDEALISM OR REALISM

Idealism and realism are philosophical theories propounded by the two Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, respectively. In a layman's language, idealism is a theory that professes that reality exists only in ideas. It also states that ideally, everything and everyone should be perfect and flawless. Realism, on the other hand, has a more practical approach of looking at things. Realism states that things and people should be accepted as they are, that is, with all their defects and weaknesses. Now that we know the basic philosophy behind the two theories, let's start a deliberate on "Idealism vs Realism" on various counts.

IDEALISM VS REALISM
Difference between Idealism and Realism

Realists are basically conservative people who follow the conventions of the society and thus, are more secure socially. Idealists, on the other hand, are nonconformists who are most likely to revolt against the set norms. Idealism is a theory of the futurists. While, realism is the theory, of the people who live in the present. Idealists aim for perfection. They set high goals for themselves and others. They believe that humans have vast potential, which should be harnessed properly to achieve excellence. Realists, on the other hand, settle for mediocrity. Realists only aim for achievable targets. That is why, to expect something extraordinary from them is out of question. Idealism is very impractical in today's world. Idealists are basically dreamers, who only look for a paragon and that too in the future. Since they are out of touch with reality, they are most liable to fail. Realists, on the other hand, are more grounded in reality and are better prepared to deal with the world around them.

Idealism vs Realism in Education

There are five basic philosophies of education namely idealism, realism, perennialism, experimentalism and existentialism. Idealism is based on the view that students should be taught wisdom through the study of literature, history, philosophy, and religion. The focus is on making the students intellectually sound and moralistically right, so that they can serve the society in a better way. The teaching methods used are lectures, discussions and dialogs, that is, all the methods which stimulate the mind. Moral lessons are taught by giving examples of people from history. In short, the focus is on education of the mind through intuition and introspection. Realism, on the other hand, is based on the view that students should learn about the world and the universe by studying science and mathematics. The focus is on making the students understand that reality is in the physical world, that is, what we see around us. Realism emphasizes on providing factual information to the students and teaching them the laws of the nature. The teacher presents the subject very systematically to the students. There is a standard curriculum, which is taught to all the students. Moral lessons are taught in the form of certain rules, which all the students have to follow. Focus is on education through experimentation and critical, scientific thinking. A combination of realism and idealism and all the other philosophies is a prerequisite for teaching children effectively. Take the example of American schooling, which borrows something or the other from each of the above mentioned philosophies.

Idealism vs Realism in Politics

In today's politics, expecting idealism is against realism. Let's take the example of the current American president. Barrack Obama, in his campaign for the presidential elections, emphasized on two important weaknesses of the Bush administration. He presented before the people how the Bush administration was committing atrocities on people in countries, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and how it was misusing the finances of the people of America. He then went onto present before the people, an idealistic view of the future of USA, under his presidency. He created a utopia of idealism. People believed in this idealistic future and Obama was elected the president. Thus, in politics, idealism is projected as realism and people fall for it as the common people in their heart of hearts want to live in a perfect country, in a perfect neighborhood , in a perfect house with a perfect family. Politicians target people's idealistic nature to create a false sense of realism. Read more philosophy topics. Thus, in today's world, there cannot be a debate on idealism vs realism, as idealism has virtually vanished from everywhere. If we look at various business organizations, they may pretend that they are working for a social cause. But in reality, the only thing they are concerned about is their profits and turnovers. If we look at individuals, idealistically, no one should be deprived of food, clothing and shelter. But in reality, people die of hunger everyday in certain Asian and African countries. But, still people are optimistic of a better future. It is this optimism that keeps idealism alive and also the debate of "idealism vs realism".