Nominalism vs. Realism

Nominalismnoun

(philosophy) A doctrine that universals do not have an existence except as names for classes of concrete objects.

Nominalismnoun

The principles or philosophy of the Nominalists.

Nominalismnoun

(philosophy) the doctrine that the various objects labeled by the same term have nothing in common but their name

Nominalism

In metaphysics, nominalism is a philosophical view which denies the existence of universals and abstract objects, but affirms the existence of general or abstract terms and predicates. There are at least two main versions of nominalism.

Realismnoun

A concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary.

Realismnoun

An artistic representation of reality as it is.

Realismnoun

(sciences) The viewpoint that an external reality exists independent of observation.

Realismnoun

(philosophy) A doctrine that universals are real—they exist and are distinct from the particulars that instantiate them.

Realismnoun

As opposed to nominalism, the doctrine that genera and species are real things or entities, existing independently of our conceptions. According to realism the Universal exists ante rem (Plato), or in re (Aristotle).

Realismnoun

Fidelity to nature or to real life; representation without idealization, and making no appeal to the imagination; adherence to the actual fact.

Realismnoun

the practise of assessing facts and the probabilities of the consequences of actions in an objective manner; avoidance of unrealistic or impractical beliefs or efforts. Contrasted to idealism, self-deception, overoptimism, overimaginativeness, or visionariness.

Realismnoun

the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth

Realismnoun

(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that physical object continue to exist when not perceived

Realismnoun

the state of being actual or real;

Realismnoun

an artistic movement in 19th century France; artists and writers strove for detailed realistic and factual description

Realismnoun

(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names