Realism

Definition

Realism is a philosophical viewpoint asserting that reality exists independently of our perceptions or beliefs about it. This perspective emphasizes that the world is made up of objects and properties that can be known through observation and experience, rather than being shaped by our subjective interpretations. Realism also plays a significant role in understanding various philosophical frameworks, particularly in terms of how they address the nature of existence, causation, and the relationship between the material and immaterial worlds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Vaiśeṣika philosophy, realism manifests through an atomic theory suggesting that all objects are composed of indivisible atoms, forming a pluralistic view of reality where many substances coexist.
2. Sāṃkhya's theory of causation supports realism by arguing that effects inherently exist within their causes, known as Satkāryavāda, which posits that reality is structured in a causal manner.
3. In Dvaita philosophy, realism is expressed through a dualistic framework that clearly distinguishes between the individual soul (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), emphasizing the independent existence of both.
4. Realism contrasts with idealism, which posits that reality is mentally constructed or immaterial, highlighting an important philosophical debate about the nature of existence.
5. Realist perspectives in Indian philosophy often reject solipsistic views and assert the existence of a shared external world that is accessible through reason and experience.

Review Questions

• How does the atomic theory in Vaiśeṣika reflect the principles of realism?
  • The atomic theory in Vaiśeṣika embodies realism by proposing that all material substances are made up of indivisible atoms that exist independently of our perceptions. This perspective supports the idea that reality consists of objective entities that can be studied scientifically. By understanding the world as composed of these fundamental particles, Vaiśeṣika emphasizes a pluralistic view where multiple realities coexist, reinforcing the realist assertion of an external world beyond individual experience.
• Discuss how Sāṃkhya's Satkāryavāda demonstrates a realist approach to causation.
  • Sāṃkhya's Satkāryavāda illustrates a realist approach by asserting that effects pre-exist in their causes, meaning that there is an inherent structure to reality that allows for observable relationships between objects. This perspective holds that causes give rise to effects without any alteration in their essence, emphasizing a rational understanding of existence based on objective relationships rather than subjective interpretations. Thus, Sāṃkhya contributes to realism by establishing a systematic framework for comprehending causation as an intrinsic aspect of reality.
• Evaluate the implications of Dvaita's dualism on the understanding of realism in Indian philosophy.
  • Dvaita's dualism profoundly impacts the understanding of realism by positing a clear distinction between individual souls (jīvas) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), asserting that both exist independently. This dualistic approach affirms that while there is a shared external world, individual consciousness experiences it differently. Dvaita challenges monistic views by affirming that reality is not uniform but consists of diverse entities with their own ontological status. This rich complexity enhances realism by acknowledging multiple layers of existence and reinforcing the idea that knowledge stems from recognizing these differences.

Related terms

Materialism:

The doctrine that nothing exists except matter and its movements and modifications, often aligned with a physicalist view of reality.

Ontology: The branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being and existence, including questions about what entities exist and how they can be categorized.

Epistemology:

The study of knowledge, its scope, and the means through which knowledge is acquired, often discussing the relationship between belief, truth, and justification.