Introduction-to-Realism presentation.pptx

Realism is an artistic movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, emphasizing the depiction of everyday life and ordinary people with accuracy and detail. It rejects idealization, focusing instead on the truthful, unembellished representation of subjects, often highlighting social issues and the experiences of the working class.

1. Introduction to Realism Realism is an artistic movement that emerged in the 19th century, focusing on the accurate depiction of the everyday world. This style aims to portray realistic scenes and characters, often highlighting the hardships and struggles of modern life. by Amandeep Kaur

2. Definition of Realism Philosophical Realism Realism is the philosophical view that physical objects and their properties exist independently of the mind. Realists believe that reality is objective and mind-independent, in contrast to idealist or relativist views. Artistic Realism In art, realism refers to the realistic and faithful representation of the subject matter, often in a naturalistic style. Realist artists aim to depict the world as it is, without idealization or embellishment. Political Realism In international relations, political realism is a theory that emphasizes the role of self-interest and power in shaping foreign policy. Realists view states as the primary actors in world affairs, focused on maximizing their own security and influence.

3. Historical Context of Realism Realism emerged in the 19th century as a reaction against the romantic and idealistic trends in art, literature, and philosophy. It sought to portray the world as it truly is, without embellishment or romanticization. The rise of realism was influenced by the growing scientific worldview, as well as the social and political changes of the Industrial Revolution. Realists aimed to objectively depict the complexities of modern life.

4. Key Principles of Realism Focus on Interests Realism emphasizes the pursuit of national interests as the driving force of foreign policy, prioritizing power, security, and survival over ideals or moral considerations. Anarchic World Order Realists view the international system as inherently anarchic, with no overarching global authority. States must rely on their own resources and capabilities to ensure their survival. Power Dynamics Realism underscores the importance of power, both military and economic, as the primary determinant of a state's influence and ability to achieve its objectives.

5. Realism in Literature Literary realism emerged in the 19th century as a reaction against the romanticism and idealism of earlier periods. Realist authors sought to depict everyday life and the human condition with objective, unvarnished portrayals of the middle and lower classes. Prominent realist writers like Gustave Flaubert, Honoré de Balzac, and Leo Tolstoy focused on meticulous descriptions of mundane details and explored themes of social inequality, moral ambiguity, and the gritty realities of modern life.

6. Realism in Art Realism in art emerged in the 19th century as a reaction against the idealized, romantic depictions of the past. Realist artists sought to accurately portray the everyday lives and struggles of common people, capturing the gritty details of the modern world. Prominent realist painters like Gustave Courbet, Jean-François Millet, and Édouard Manet rejected the grandiose and mythological themes of earlier art, instead focusing on realistic scenes of rural life, urban landscapes, and the working class.

7. Realism in Philosophy Objective Reality Realist philosophers believe that there is an objective reality that exists independently of our perceptions or beliefs. This reality can be studied and understood through reason and empirical observation. Knowledge and Truth Realists argue that knowledge can accurately represent this objective reality, and that there are universal truths that can be discovered through rigorous investigation. Rejection of Idealism Realist philosophy stands in opposition to idealist views that reality is ultimately mental or subjective. Realists believe that the material world exists independently of the mind.

8. Realism in International Relations Foundational Principles Realism in international relations posits that states are the primary actors, pursuing their own self-interest in a world of constant competition and potential conflict. Power and Security Realists believe that states must prioritize acquiring military and economic power to ensure their security and survival in an anarchic global system. Zero-Sum Mentality Realists view international politics as a zero-sum game, where one state's gain is another's loss. Cooperation is seen as rare and temporary. Pragmatic Approach Realists advocate for a pragmatic, hard-nosed approach to foreign policy, focused on achieving tangible national interests rather than lofty moral ideals.

9. Criticisms and Limitations of Realism 1 Oversimplification Realism is criticized for oversimplifying the complex realities of international politics, reducing it to a power struggle between self-interested states. 2 Lack of Normative Guidance Realism provides little normative guidance on how states should behave, focusing solely on the pursuit of power and national interest. 3 Amorality Realism is accused of being amoral, justifying unethical actions in the name of national interest and power maximization. 4 Inability to Explain Change Realism struggles to explain significant changes in the international system, such as the end of the Cold War and the rise of non-state actors.

10. Conclusion and Future of Realism Realism has had a profound and lasting impact on various fields, but it also faces significant criticisms and challenges as the world becomes increasingly complex. As we look to the future, the enduring relevance and evolution of realist thought will be crucial in navigating the global landscape.