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Solipsism vs Realism - What's the difference?

solipsism | realism |

In philosophy terms the difference between solipsism and realism

is that solipsism is the theory that the self is all that exists or that can be proven to exist while realism is a doctrine that universals are real—they exist and are distinct from the particulars that instantiate them.

solipsism

Noun

(en noun)
  • (philosophy) The theory that the self is all that exists or that can be proven to exist.
  • Self-absorption, an unawareness of the views or needs of others; self-centeredness; egoism
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2012 , date=August 21 , author=Jason Heller , title=The Darkness: Hot Cakes (Music Review) , work=The Onion AV Club citation , page= , passage=Self-mythology has always been part of The Darkness’ shtick, but here Hawkins and crew forget to back it up with music catchy enough to transcend the solipsism .}}
  • * (rfdate) (Bing West)
  • The solipsism that too frequently infects high commands has no place on a battlefield.

    realism

    Noun

  • A concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary
  • An artistic representation of reality as it is
  • (sciences) The viewpoint that an external reality exists independent of observation
  • (philosophy) A doctrine that universals are real—they exist and are distinct from the particulars that instantiate them
  • Antonyms

    * (doctrine concerning universals) nominalism

    See also

    * idealism