Idealism and Realism

Idealism is the belief that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual, and that the material world is a
projection of our thoughts and perceptions. According to idealism, the objects and events that make up
the physical world are not independent of our minds, but rather are constructed by our minds as we
perceive them.
One form of idealism is subjective idealism, which holds that the external world is a product of the
individual mind and does not exist independently of it. According to this view, the material world is
simply a creation of our minds, and there is no independent reality beyond our own thoughts and
perceptions.
Another form of idealism is objective idealism, which holds that the external world is the product of a
single, universal mind or consciousness. According to this view, the material world is not independent of
our minds, but rather is created and sustained by a universal consciousness that is present in all of us.
Realism, on the other hand, is the belief that the material world is independent of our minds and exists
objectively. Realists believe that our senses accurately perceive the world as it really is, and that there is
a single, objective reality that exists independently of our perception of it.
Realists argue that the material world has a true, objective nature that exists independently of our
thoughts and perceptions, and that we can gain knowledge of this objective reality through the use of
our senses and scientific methods.
In general, idealism is more concerned with the subjective experience of reality, while realism is more
concerned with the objective nature of reality. Both approaches have their own strengths and
weaknesses, and have influenced a wide range of fields, including philosophy, science, and art.

There are a number of ways in which idealist elements can be identified in international relations,
including the following:
1. The belief that international relations should be governed by moral principles and a sense of
shared humanity, rather than simply by self-interest and power. Idealists often argue that
international relations should be guided by a sense of morality and a commitment to the
common good, rather than simply by the pursuit of national interests.
2. The idea that international organizations and institutions, such as the United Nations, can play a
role in promoting cooperation and resolving conflicts between states. Idealists often argue that
these types of international organizations can help to create a more peaceful and cooperative
international system.
3. The belief that individuals and non-state actors, such as NGOs and civil society organizations,
can play a role in shaping international relations and promoting positive change. Idealists often
argue that these types of actors can help to promote global cooperation and address global
challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
4. The idea that international relations should be guided by a sense of shared values and common
goals, rather than simply by competition and conflict. Idealists often argue that international
relations should be guided by a shared commitment to ideals such as peace, justice, and human
rights, rather than simply by the pursuit of power and self-interest.

[Date] 0
There are a number of ways in which realist elements can be identified in international relations,
including the following:
1. The belief that international relations are primarily driven by the pursuit of power and national
interests. Realists argue that states are motivated by their own self-interest and seek to
maximize their own power and security in the international system.
2. The idea that international relations are characterized by a state of anarchy, in which there is no
central authority or government to enforce rules and regulate behavior. Realists argue that
states must act on their own to protect their own interests and security, and must be prepared
to use force if necessary to defend themselves.
3. The belief that international relations are shaped by the distribution of power among states.
Realists argue that the relative power of states in the international system determines their
ability to achieve their foreign policy goals and shape international events.
4. The idea that international organizations and institutions, such as the United Nations, are
limited in their ability to shape international relations and resolve conflicts between states.
Realists often argue that these types of institutions are largely powerless and cannot effectively
enforce their decisions or prevent states from acting in their own self-interest.

Political Movements
Political movements that have originated from idealism often seek to promote values such as
democracy, human rights, social justice, and international cooperation. Some examples of political
movements that have been influenced by idealism include:
1. The abolitionist movement, which sought to end the institution of slavery in the United States
and other countries. This movement was driven by a belief in the inherent value and dignity of
all human beings, and a commitment to the idea that all people are entitled to certain
fundamental rights.
2. The civil rights movement, which sought to end racial segregation and discrimination in the
United States. This movement was driven by a belief in the equal rights and opportunities for all
citizens, and a commitment to the idea that all people are entitled to be treated with dignity and
respect.
3. The feminist movement, which seeks to promote gender equality and women's rights. This
movement is driven by a belief in the inherent value and dignity of all people, regardless of their
gender, and a commitment to the idea that all people are entitled to equal opportunities and
treatment.
4. The environmental movement, which seeks to protect the natural environment and promote
sustainable development. This movement is driven by a belief in the inherent value of the
natural world and a commitment to the idea that all people have a responsibility to protect the
environment for future generations.
5. The global justice movement, which seeks to address issues of poverty, inequality, and injustice
on a global scale. This movement is driven by a belief in the inherent value and dignity of all
people and a commitment to the idea that all people are entitled to a fair and just society.

Literary movements

[Date] 1
Literary movements that have been influenced by idealism often seek to promote values such as
individualism, creativity, and the imagination. Some examples of literary movements that have been
influenced by idealism include:
1. Romanticism, which emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a reaction to the
Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. Romantic writers celebrated individualism,
creativity, and the imagination, and sought to reject the rationalism and materialism of the
Enlightenment in favor of a more emotional and spiritual approach to literature.
2. Transcendentalism, which emerged in the United States in the mid-19th century as a reaction to
the Enlightenment and the industrialization of society. Transcendentalist writers celebrated
individualism, creativity, and the imagination, and sought to transcend the limitations of the
material world in favor of a more spiritual and intuitive approach to literature.
3. Modernism, which emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to the industrialization and
massification of society. Modernist writers celebrated individualism, creativity, and the
imagination, and sought to reject traditional forms and conventions in favor of a more
experimental and innovative approach to literature.
4. Postmodernism, which emerged in the latter half of the 20th century as a reaction to the
Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and modernism itself. Postmodernist writers
celebrated individualism, creativity, and the imagination, and sought to reject the grand
narratives and universal truths of the past in favor of a more fragmented and relativistic
approach to literature.

[Date] 2