Realism is an important concept in philosophy that deals with our perception and understanding of reality. In contrast to idealism, idealism emphasizes the dominance of consciousness, ideas, or minds in the world, while realism holds that material and objective existence is independent of human consciousness and ideas. In the history of philosophy, realism has been closely related to materialism. This article examines whether realism can be seen as a manifestation of materialism.
i.Definition and basic ideas of realism
Realism is a philosophical position that asserts that the existence of the external world is independent of human consciousness and ideas. According to the realist view, material and objective existence is real and knowable. Realists believe that the essence of the world is matter, and that through perception and rational thinking, human beings can gain a true understanding of the material world. The core idea of realism is the independent existence of matter and the objective cognitive capacity.
ii.Definition and core ideas of materialism
Materialism is a philosophical view of the nature of the world, asserting that matter is the basic reality of the world. Materialists believe that consciousness and ideas are products of matter and are determined by matter. Materialism emphasizes that matter determines the nature and form of consciousness, that is, it believes that the change and development of matter is the basis of consciousness and thinking.
iii.Similarities between realism and materialism
1.The independent existence of matter: Both realism and materialism believe that matter exists independently and has nothing to do with human consciousness and concepts. Whether we are aware of or believe in the existence of matter, it still exists and follows its own laws. This common view brings realism and materialism together in their view of objective existence to the outside world.
2.Interaction between matter and consciousness: Both realism and materialism believe that there is an interactive relationship between matter and consciousness. The change and development of matter can affect the generation and change of consciousness, and at the same time, consciousness can also change the state of matter through action. This view of interaction led to a consensus between realism and materialism in emphasizing the influence of matter on consciousness and the subjective agency of human beings.
iv.The difference between realism and materialism
1.Perception of consciousness: Materialists believe that consciousness is a product of matter, while realists believe that consciousness is relatively independent of matter and has a certain agency. Realism emphasizes the independence of consciousness and believes that consciousness can directly perceive the material world and know it through rational thinking, while materialism emphasizes the decisive role of matter on consciousness.
2.Views on theory construction: Materialism emphasizes the importance of scientific research and theory construction, and believes that through the study and empirical evidence of the material world, a deeper understanding of the world can be obtained. Realism does not emphasize the status of science as much as materialism, it focuses more on the cognition of intuitive and subjective experience.
v.The importance of reality
Materialism emphasizes the importance of reality, especially the study of natural science, and emphasizes the understanding of the objective existence of the world through observation, experimentation, and theoretical construction. Realism is also concerned with reality, but differs from materialism in its cognitive approach, emphasizing the cognition of intuitive and subjective experience rather than being dominated by the natural science method.
vi.Cognitive subject's position
Realism emphasizes the active role of the cognitive subject in the process of cognition, and emphasizes the efforts and contributions made by the human subject in the process of cognition, while materialism emphasizes the influence and decisive role of the objective material world on the cognitive subject. This difference in the position of cognitive subjects leads to different epistemological emphases and perspectives between realism and materialism.
vii.The idea of unified dialectics
In dialectical materialism, materialism and realism are not opposites, but two theoretical positions that can promote and complement each other. Dialectical materialism introduces the concept of unifying matter and consciousness, believing that matter and consciousness are two aspects of unity, interdependent and mutually transformative. Therefore, realism, as a position emphasizing objective existence, can be presented more comprehensively and richly in the theoretical system of dialectical materialism.
Summary
There are certain similarities and differences between realism and materialism in terms of theoretical viewpoints and methods of understanding. Realism emphasizes the independence of consciousness and the active role of the cognitive subject, and pays more attention to the cognitive methods of intuitive and subjective experience, while materialism emphasizes the methods of scientific research and empirical evidence, and focuses more on the understanding of objective reality. Nonetheless, realism and materialism also show similarities in their recognition of the independent existence of matter, the interaction of matter with consciousness, the concern with reality, and so on. Under the concept of dialectical materialism, realism and materialism can promote and complement each other, providing multiple perspectives and thinking paths for delving into the essence of the real world. Therefore, realism can be regarded as a manifestation of materialism, and at the same time, it has made its own unique contribution to the development and perfection of materialism. List of high-quality authors