What is Realism?
Welcome to our series on Realism, where we explore the principles and concepts behind this influential theory. Realism is a school of thought in international relations that focuses on accurately depicting life and state behavior in the world of politics. In this article, we will delve into the origins, essence, and applications of realism in various fields, including politics, arts, literature, and philosophy.
Realism traces its roots back to ancient political thought and has been further developed by notable thinkers throughout history. With an emphasis on power, self-interest, and the role of the state, realism offers an alternative perspective to idealism and liberalism. It provides a framework for understanding state behavior in international politics and explores strategies for managing power dynamics and mitigating global destabilization.
Stay with us as we explore the different facets of realism and its implications in diverse areas of study. Whether you’re a student, a scholar, or simply curious about this influential theory, this series will provide you with valuable insights.
The Roots of Realism
Realism in international relations has its roots in ancient political thought, drawing upon the works of classical authors such as Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Rousseau, and Weber. These thinkers laid the foundation for understanding the role of power and self-interest in state behavior.
Classical realism, as developed by scholars like E.H. Carr and Hans Morgenthau, emphasizes the enduring nature of power in international politics. It rejects the idealistic perspectives of liberal internationalists and instead focuses on the pursuit of self-interest by states.
The outbreak of World War II further solidified the realist perspective, as it became evident that power dynamics were at the core of international conflicts. European scholars like Morgenthau brought realism to American political science departments, and Morgenthau’s influential book “Politics Among Nations” provided a theoretical framework for understanding state behavior based on power and self-interest.
Other notable thinkers such as Arnold Wolfers, George F. Kennan, and Henry Kissinger further developed realist theory, shaping our understanding of international relations.
Through the incorporation of ancient political thought and the contributions of influential scholars, realism has emerged as a dominant approach in the study of international relations, offering valuable insights into the complexities of state behavior and the dynamics of power in the international arena.
The Essence of Realism
According to realism, states exist within an anarchic international system, where their behavior is guided by their own capabilities and national interests. The most crucial national interest for a state is its survival, encompassing the well-being of its people, the stability of its political system, and the integrity of its territorial boundaries. Realists also stress the importance of preserving a nation’s culture and economy. In the realm of international politics, realism recognizes that the existence and characteristics of states and other actors are independent of anyone’s beliefs, language usage, or conceptual frameworks. Unlike domestic politics, which often operates under a centralized authority, international politics is characterized by power dynamics and self-interest due to the absence of a global governing body.
Realism in the Arts
Realism in the arts is characterized by its accurate depiction of nature and contemporary life, rejecting the idealization often found in art. It focuses on closely observing outward appearances and capturing the reality of the subject matter. Throughout history, various artistic movements have embraced realism, from ancient Greek sculptures to 17th-century paintings by Caravaggio and Dutch genre painters, and even 18th-century English novels.
In the mid-19th century, realism emerged as a major trend in French novels and paintings, with artists aiming to portray the lives, appearances, problems, customs, and mores of the middle and lower classes. One of the pioneers of the realist aesthetic was Gustave Courbet, who challenged the traditional focus on grandiose and monumental subjects. Courbet’s paintings, such as “The Burial at Ornans” and “The Stone Breakers,” exemplify the rejection of idealization and the emphasis on the truthful and accurate depiction of everyday life.
Realism in the arts captures the essence of contemporary existence, providing audiences with a genuine and unfiltered perspective. By embracing realism, artists communicate the intricacies of nature and the authenticity of human experiences, offering a refreshing departure from idealized notions of beauty.
Realism in Literature
In the mid-19th century, a literary movement emerged as a reaction against the artificiality of classicism and romanticism. Realism in literature aimed to faithfully reproduce the diverse aspects of contemporary life and society. Realist writers sought to portray mental attitudes, physical settings, and material conditions with utmost accuracy. Rather than focusing on the upper echelons of society, they turned their lens to the middle and lower classes, unearthing the ordinary and unadorned aspects of everyday life.
Realist novels became a powerful medium for depicting the lives of common people and shedding light on the struggles they faced amidst the social and economic conditions of the time. Pioneering authors of literary realism include Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, and Tobias Smollett, who delved into the lives and experiences of ordinary individuals. Likewise, the French authors of the Barbizon School brought their unique perspective to the realist movement, capturing the essence of contemporary society in their works.
Realism in literature, with its faithful reproduction of contemporary life and rejection of artificiality, continues to influence and inspire writers today. By peering into the lives of the marginalized and shedding light on the human experience, realist literature serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to reflect and shape the world we live in.
Realism in Philosophy
The question of the nature and plausibility of realism arises in various philosophical domains, including ethics, aesthetics, causation, modality, science, mathematics, and semantics. Realism in philosophy can be seen as a claim about the existence and independence of the objects and properties within a particular subject matter.
Realists argue that objects and their properties exist independently of anyone’s beliefs, linguistic practices, or conceptual schemes. This controversial claim challenges the notion that reality is constructed solely through human interpretation and language. Realists posit that there is an objective reality that exists outside of human perception or understanding.
Non-realists, on the other hand, may reject either the existence or the independence dimension of realism. They may argue that the existence of objects and properties is a product of human cognitive processes and social constructions. Non-realism emphasizes the role of language, culture, and subjective experience in shaping our understanding of the world.
The debate between realists and non-realists is complex and controversial, with philosophers offering various arguments and counterarguments. Critics of realism propose alternative theories, such as error-theories, non-cognitivism, and relativism, which challenge different aspects of realist claims.
Opposition to Realism
“Non-realist positions challenge the controversial claim that objects and their properties exist independently of human belief systems and linguistic practices.”
Error-theories reject the existence dimension of realism by arguing that statements about a subject matter are fundamentally mistaken or false. Non-cognitivism denies the cognitive content of these statements and treats them as expressions of attitudes or emotions rather than factual claims. Relativism holds that truth and meaning are relative to a particular perspective or framework, undermining the idea of a single objective reality.
These various forms of opposition to realism reflect the complexity of the debate and the different philosophical perspectives that scholars bring to the discussion. The plausibility of realism continues to be scrutinized and debated within the realms of philosophy, with no definitive consensus reached.
For a visual representation of realism in philosophy, refer to the image below:
Forms of Non-Realism
Non-realism encompasses various perspectives that challenge the principles of realism, each offering unique insights into the nature of truth and existence. Let’s explore some of these forms of non-realism:
Error-theory
Error-theory questions the very existence of objects within a particular subject matter. It asserts that there is a fundamental error in perceiving these objects, suggesting that they do not truly exist.
Non-cognitivism
Non-cognitivism denies the cognitive content of statements about a subject matter, considering them to be expressions of attitudes or emotions rather than factual claims. It focuses on the subjective nature of these statements.
Instrumentalism
Instrumentalism views the objects of a subject matter as mere tools or instruments for achieving certain goals. It emphasizes the practical utility of these objects rather than their inherent existence.
Nominalism
Nominalists reject the existence of abstract objects, reducing them to mental constructs or linguistic conventions. They argue that these objects are merely conceptual labels without distinct forms of existence.
Relativism
Relativism posits that the truth or meaning of statements about a subject matter is relative to a particular perspective or framework. It acknowledges the contextual nature of truth and understanding.
Realism in the Arts: Gustave Courbet
Gustave Courbet, a prominent artist associated with the realist tradition, believed in the truthful and accurate depiction of contemporary life. His rejection of idealization can be seen in his renowned painting, “The Painter’s Studio.” This masterpiece exemplifies Courbet’s commitment to portraying everyday life without embellishment or glorification. Through his artwork, Courbet focused on capturing the realities of ordinary people and laborers, offering an unadorned view of their existence.
“The Painter’s Studio” is just one example of Courbet’s defiance of conventional art norms. His controversial works, such as “The Burial at Ornans” and “The Stone Breakers,” challenged the ideals of the art world with their stark realism and lack of ornamental details. Courbet firmly believed that art should reflect the everyday realities of life, portraying it exactly as it is.
Gustave Courbet’s dedication to portraying everyday life without idealization made him a key figure in the realist movement. His powerful and unadorned artworks continue to captivate audiences, offering a truthful glimpse into the world as he saw it.
Realism in the United States
Realism in the visual arts was also prominent in the United States, particularly in the works of artists like Winslow Homer and Thomas Eakins. Homer’s paintings of marine subjects and Eakins’s portraits and boating scenes are characterized by their frank, unsentimental, and acutely observed depictions of contemporary life. These artists sought to present honest and unidealized views of everyday existence, capturing the realities of American society during their respective periods. Their works provide powerful records of the social, political, and cultural aspects of the time.
Realism in the 20th Century
Realism continued to be a significant movement in 20th-century art, driven by artists’ sincere commitment to presenting honest and searching views of everyday life and using art as a means of social and political criticism.
One notable group of artists known as The Eight in the United States embraced realism as a way to express cynicism and disillusionment. Through harsh and direct portrayals, they offered a powerful critique of societal norms and values.
In Germany, the art movement Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) emerged, reflecting a similar desire to depict reality without embellishment. Artists associated with this movement sought to challenge the prevailing ideals and express the underlying complexities of the human experience.
During the Great Depression, a movement known as Social Realism gained prominence in the United States. These artists aimed to depict the injustices and evils of American society, shedding light on the social and economic conditions that plagued the nation. Through their works, they offered scathing critiques of the prevailing power structures and called for change.
Socialist Realism
Socialist Realism, an officially sponsored Marxist aesthetic, emerged in the Soviet Union during the early 1930s and persisted until its dissolution. It claimed to be a faithful and objective reflection of life, but it was characterized by idealization and the need to fulfill the state’s ideological and propagandistic requirements. Socialist Realism employed techniques of naturalistic idealization to create portraits of heroic workers and engineers who embodied the values and aspirations of the Soviet state.
Despite its professed realism, the style often lacked lifelike credibility and faced criticism for its absence of artistic integrity. The primary purpose of Socialist Realism was to serve the state’s propagandistic needs by promoting the desired image of a utopian society. As a consequence, the artistic representation often deviated from truthfulness in favor of a carefully constructed narrative.
Although Socialist Realism aimed to achieve realism, its adherence to state objectives compromised its truthfulness and authenticity. The prescribed ideology and propagandistic needs dictated the style’s emphasis on idealized characters, situations, and themes. While it produced visually striking works that communicated the desired message, the artistic integrity and genuine representation of reality were often sacrificed in the process.
The Complex Debate on Realism
The concept of realism elicits a complex and controversial debate that spans across various domains, including epistemology and metaphysics. Opposing viewpoints challenge the very essence of realism, presenting forms of opposition that question its plausibility and nature.
Error-theories, non-cognitivism, reductionism, instrumentalism, nominalism, relativism, and eliminativism are among the forms of opposition that challenge either the existence or the independence dimension of realism. These perspectives offer divergent views on the validity of realist claims, adding fuel to the ongoing discourse.
Furthermore, there are quietist perspectives that deny the possibility of substantial metaphysical debate between realists and non-realists, suggesting that the discussion may be fruitless. Nevertheless, the topic of realism continues to evolve, attracting diverse perspectives and interpretations from scholars across the globe.
The controversial nature of the debate on realism ensures that it remains an intriguing and dynamic field of study, with ongoing discussions in epistemology, metaphysics, and other relevant domains.
