Realism (philosophy)

Realism in philosophy is the belief that certain things exist independently of our thoughts or perceptions. It asserts that the world has an objective reality that is the same regardless of what anyone believes or perceives. For example, a realist would say that mountains, trees, and natural laws exist whether or not we are aware of them. Realism often contrasts with idealism or anti-realism, which suggest that reality is shaped or dependent on our minds, perceptions, or social constructs. Essentially, realism holds that many aspects of the world are real and knowable independently of our subjective experience.