What is Realism?
Realism is both an artistic and literary movement that aims to depict subjects as they appear in everyday life. It rejects imaginative idealization and instead focuses on providing accurate, detailed, and unembellished depictions of nature or contemporary life. Realism has been a dominant force in the study of international relations since the end of World War II, offering insights into state behavior based on the role of the state, national interest, and power in world politics.
Key Takeaways:
- Realism is an artistic and literary movement that portrays subjects as they appear in everyday life.
- It emphasizes accurate, detailed, and unembellished depictions of nature or contemporary life.
- Realism has been influential in the study of international relations, offering explanations for state behavior based on the role of the state, national interest, and power.
- Realism rejects imaginative idealization and instead focuses on providing truthful depictions of reality.
- Realism continues to be a significant force in the arts and the study of international relations.
The Origins of Realism
Realism as a self-conscious movement in the study of international relations emerged during the mid-20th century and was inspired by the British political scientist and historian E.H. Carr. Carr criticized the “idealism” of liberal internationalists and instead focused on the role of power and self-interest in state behavior.
Realism became established in American political science departments, and prominent scholars such as Hans Morgenthau contributed to its development. Morgenthau’s book, “Politics Among Nations,” became a widely used textbook that provided a theoretical framework for realist theory.
Realism in international relations, influenced by E.H. Carr, has been a pivotal perspective that emphasizes the significance of power and self-interest in understanding state behavior. This approach challenges the idealistic notions of liberal internationalists and highlights the pragmatic realities underlying international relations. The theoretical framework provided by Hans Morgenthau’s influential book, “Politics Among Nations,” solidified realism as a significant contribution to political science.
The Core Principles of Realism
Realism, as a theory in international relations, is based on several core principles that shape state behavior and explain the dynamics of world politics. According to realism, states exist within an anarchic international system, devoid of a centralized political authority. In this system, states are driven by their own capabilities and national interests.
One of the key national interests for states, according to realists, is the survival of the state itself. Realists prioritize the preservation of a state’s culture, economy, and territorial integrity. These aspects are seen as crucial for ensuring the long-term security and well-being of the state and its people.
Realism emphasizes that the behavior of states is ultimately shaped by power dynamics and self-interest. States are motivated by the pursuit of power and seek to maximize their own capabilities to secure their national interests. Power is considered a fundamental determinant of state behavior in the realist perspective.
It is important to note that realism distinguishes international politics from domestic politics. While domestic politics associates with a centralized political authority and institutions, international politics lacks such centralization. This differentiation influences the decision-making processes and actions of states in the international arena.
In summary, the core principles of realism highlight the belief that states operate within an anarchic international system and are primarily driven by their own capabilities, national interests, and power dynamics. These principles underpin the understanding of state behavior and the examination of international relations from a realist perspective.
Influences on Realism
Realism, as a tradition of thought, draws heavily on the insights provided by classical authors. Classical realism and neorealism, two prominent strands within the realist tradition, have been significantly shaped by the works of influential figures such as Thucydides, Niccolò Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Max Weber.
Thucydides, an ancient Greek historian, offers valuable insights into the dynamics of power and self-interest in politics. His work, particularly The History of the Peloponnesian War, serves as a cornerstone for understanding the realist perspective on international relations.
“The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.”
Niccolò Machiavelli, a Renaissance political philosopher, is renowned for his masterpiece The Prince. Machiavelli’s pragmatic approach focuses on the realities of power and the necessity for rulers to prioritize the interests of the state over moral considerations.
Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, contributes to the realist tradition through his seminal work Leviathan. Hobbes argues that the pursuit of self-interest and the quest for power are inherent in human nature, thereby influencing the behavior of individuals and states in the international arena.
Human Nature and Politics
“Hell is the truth seen too late.”
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, an Enlightenment thinker, explores the concept of human nature and its influence on politics in works such as The Social Contract. His ideas shed light on the tensions between individual freedom and the collective interest of the state.
Max Weber, a German sociologist, introduces the notion of rationalization and the role of authority in society. His theory of the state as a legitimate monopoly of violence offers valuable insights into the functioning of political systems and the pursuit of power.
Realists utilize the perspectives of these classical authors to support and enhance their theories on the role of power, self-interest, and human nature in politics. By drawing on these influential figures, realism as a tradition of thought continues to shape our understanding of international relations.
Realism in the Arts
Realism in the arts refers to the accurate, detailed, unembellished depiction of nature or contemporary life. Throughout history, various civilizations have embraced realism in their artistic expressions, capturing the essence of the world around them.
Ancient Greek sculptures, for example, are renowned for their lifelike representations of boxers and old women. These sculptures showcase the Greeks’ ability to capture the human form with remarkable precision.
As we move forward in time, artists such as Caravaggio, Dutch genre painters, and Spanish painters like José de Ribera, Diego Velázquez, and Francisco de Zurbarán continued this tradition of realism. Their works vividly depict scenes from everyday life, incorporating intricate details that make them come alive.
Realism gained significant prominence in the 19th century, particularly in French novels and paintings. Artists sought to portray the truthful and accurate depiction of everyday life, capturing the ordinary moments that often go unnoticed. This movement revolutionized the arts, as artists shifted their focus to the realities of the world around them.
The rise of professional journalism and the development of photography further fueled the interest in accurate representations of contemporary life and society. Photojournalists used their cameras to capture unfiltered moments, presenting a genuine reflection of the world we live in.
Realism in the arts continues to inspire and captivate viewers. Through its commitment to accurate depiction, it allows us to see the world with a fresh perspective and appreciate the beauty found in the most ordinary of moments.
Realism in 20th-Century Art
Realism continued to be a significant current in 20th-century art, with artists using it to present honest, unidealized views of everyday life or as a vehicle for social and political criticism.
The American painters known as The Eight depicted the seamy urban life of the time, while the German movement known as Neue Sachlichkeit expressed cynicism and disillusionment after World War I.
The Social Realism movement in the United States depicted the injustices and evils of American society during the Great Depression. In the Soviet Union, Socialist Realism was the officially sponsored Marxist aesthetic, though it often used idealization to serve the state’s propaganda needs.
Realism in 20th-Century American Art: The Eight
“I have always striven to transmit to anyone who sees my pictures that I, too, have been a worker and have lived the life of the worker, the life of aspiration, hope, realization, and real disappointment…”
– Robert Henri, leader of The Eight movement
The Eight, also known as the Ashcan School, was a group of American artists who focused on depicting the realities of urban life in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their paintings depicted the gritty streets, working-class neighborhoods, and everyday struggles of ordinary people.
Their unflinching portrayal of urban life made a significant impact and challenged the prevailing notions of art at the time. The Eight artists sought to bring attention to the social issues and inequalities present in American society, particularly addressing the effects of industrialization and urbanization.
Realism in 20th-Century German Art: Neue Sachlichkeit
“Neue Sachlichkeit is actually a genuine continuation of Dada. Neues Sachlichkeit certainly leaves behind the mythological, theatrical, and magical world of Dada, but it equally retaliates against the excessive intellectualizations and killjoy-reasoning of many of its adversaries and critics…”
– Otto Dix, Neue Sachlichkeit artist
Neue Sachlichkeit, meaning “New Objectivity,” emerged in Germany after World War I. This movement rejected the romanticism and idealism of the pre-war era and instead portrayed the harsh realities and disillusionment of the post-war society.
Inspired by the horrors of war and the political instability of the Weimar Republic, Neue Sachlichkeit artists depicted a wide range of subjects, including portraits, still lifes, and scenes of ordinary life. Their works often conveyed a sense of social criticism, tackling issues such as poverty, inequality, and corruption.
Realism in 20th-Century Soviet Art: Socialist Realism
“The appearance in the early thirties of the concept Socialist Realism – a powerful stimulant in the creation and development of Soviet art – met the needs of the time; reality was the measure for the genuine art of today…”
– Alexander Gerasimov, Soviet painter and art theorist
Socialist Realism was an officially sanctioned art movement in the Soviet Union that emerged in the 1930s. It aimed to depict the ideals and achievements of the Soviet socialist state, promoting the values of communism and glorifying the working class.
While Socialist Realism often employed idealization for propaganda purposes, artists within the movement also sought to highlight the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people. The style evolved over time, adapting to the changing political climate in the Soviet Union.
Despite the ideological constraints imposed by the state, Socialist Realism provided a platform for artists to express their creative visions within a specific political framework.
Opposition to Realism: Error-Theory and Arithmetic
While realism has been a dominant force in various fields, it is not without its critics. One form of opposition to realism arises from the realm of arithmetic, where proponents of error-theory challenge the existence of abstract objects such as numbers. According to them, statements like “7 is prime” are false because abstract objects do not exist. This rejection of existence directly challenges the platonist view that abstract objects exist independently of beliefs and conceptual schemes.
Opposition to Realism: Error-Theory and Morality
While realism is a prominent perspective in various domains, it also faces opposition in different forms. One such form can be observed in the realm of morality, where error-theorists put forth their contentions. According to error-theory, moral properties, such as goodness or rightness, do not actually exist. They argue that moral judgments are inherently false because there is no objective basis for them. Consequently, error-theorists reject the belief in moral properties, which challenges the claim of platonic realism that posits the existence of moral properties independently of beliefs and language practices.
This opposition to realism in morality raises fundamental philosophical questions about the nature of moral judgment and the objectivity of moral claims. By questioning the existence of moral properties, error-theorists undermine the notion that moral judgments can be objectively grounded in an independent moral reality. This perspective challenges traditional views that rely on the existence of moral properties to provide a firm foundation for ethical truths and principles.
While opposition to realism in the realm of morality carries significant implications for ethical theories and debates, it also sparks further discussion about the nature of moral judgments and the objectivity of moral claims. As scholars and philosophers continue to explore the complexities of morality, the opposition to realism in this domain remains a thought-provoking challenge to traditional views on morality and its foundation in objective properties.
Conclusion
Realism, both as an artistic and literary movement, is characterized by its focus on accurately depicting everyday life. It rejects idealization and instead strives to provide detailed and unembellished representations of nature and contemporary society. In the realm of international relations, realism plays a crucial role in understanding state behavior, emphasizing the significance of power, national interest, and the role of the state.
While realism has received criticism, opposition to this artistic and theoretical approach exists in various forms. For example, in the realm of arithmetic, proponents of error-theory argue against the existence of abstract objects, challenging the platonist view. Similarly, in the realm of morality, error-theorists contest the existence of moral properties, rejecting the idea of objectivity in ethical judgments. These debates highlight the complex nature of realism and its interaction with different domains of thought.
However, despite opposition, realism remains a significant force in both the arts and the study of international relations. Its accurate depiction of everyday life has influenced various artistic movements throughout history, from ancient Greek sculptures to contemporary photography. In the field of international relations, realism provides valuable insights into state behavior and power dynamics, contributing to our understanding of the global political landscape. As such, realism continues to shape our artistic expressions and our understanding of international relations.
