Realism has its roots in the work of Plato’s student, Aristotle. His work had a huge influence on the Enlightenment philosophers and on the founding fathers of the United States.

1) The metaphysics for the realist diverges from that of the idealist because they believe universal principles can be arrived at through the study of the physical world. The ultimate reality is the physical world, the world of the senses.

2) The epistemology of the realist is connected to this metaphysical belief, therefore truth can be arrived at through scientific enquiry. It is through the observation of real, physical objects that truth can be arrived at. For the realist, the universe is constant, so concrete truth can be arrived at through the study of the physical universe.

3) The axiology of the universe can be described as conformity to reality. Ethics can be arrived at through the study of the universe and conformity to the natural law that is discovered there. Beauty is defined as conformity to the way things actually are. Something is beautiful if it reflects reality.

4) For the realist, education is about observing the natural world as it really is. Students are able to come to know reality through sensory observation, smelling, touching, seeing, tasting and hearing. Teachers are supposed to give accurate information about reality to the students as quickly and efficiently as possible. Science is the center of the realist curriculum and mathematics is important because it explains the laws of nature and the universe.

5) Critique: There are important strengths in the realist system, especially in its critiques of the idealist system. The realist is very concerned with the physical world and the daily realities that entails. The Bible is full of practical advice for simple people that the idealist perspective sometimes overlooks. It’s also true that there is a moral law revealed in nature and that people will be held accountable for not finding it (Romans 1:20-25). Many true things can be discovered through observing the natural world (Job 38-41).

The Bible critiques the realist philosophy in many ways as well. For starters the realist philosophers react too strongly against Idealism and abandon much truth in that system. Ultimate Truth cannot be found apart from revelation and that Truth is Jesus revealed in the Word of God (John 17:17). The other problem is that there is no standard of truth to compare things by, so realists are forced to say that whatever a society deems ethical is ethical. They have no grounds for condemning atrocities like abortion. For the Christian, the Bible is the standard of Truth (2 Timothy 3:16). Finally, everything that is true cannot be taught through sensory experience. How do you teach someone what faith is through observation? Christians know what faith is because it is revealed through the Bible (Hebrews 11:1)

Idealism is a philosophical system associated with Plato. The idealist maintains that ultimate reality and ultimate good are found in the realm of ideas, not in the physical world. Here’s a brief breakdown:

1) The metaphysics of the idealist can best be described as the reality of the mind. The world of the senses, the physical world, is not the world of ultimate reality. The world of ultimate reality is the world of pure ideas.

2) The epistemology for the idealist is also concerned with the world of ideas. The highest truth is not found in what is seen and touched, rather, it is found in ideas that can be grappled with and maintained in the mind. The idealist looks for consistency and coherence of ideas as an indication of truth.

3) The axiology for the idealist is best described as striving to conform to the perfect form in the world of ideas. An individual becomes more ethical the more they become like their Absolute Self. Beauty is found for the idealist in that which reflects the Absolute Ideal.

4) For the idealist, education is about freeing people from the physical, material world and encouraging them to conform to the ideal. The student is in the process of becoming more like their Absolute Self. The Teacher is crucial because they are an example for the student of the ideal self. Although they haven’t “arrived” yet, they are closer to the Absolute Self than the student. Since truth is wrapped up in ideas the curriculum is ideas focused. It revolves around the humanities including history, literature and “pure (read: abstract) mathematics. The goal in education is to conform students to their Absolute Selves.

5) Critique: There are several strengths to the idealist philosophy. First, many of its principles are easily adaptable to Christianity. If we replace “Absolute Self” with “Jesus Christ” we arrive at a very Pauline understanding of sanctification. Paul writes in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable and perfect.” This shows a caution of things of “this world” contained in scripture. A final strength in the idealist school is that it helps preserve the past and pass it on to next generations, a concern that is very important to God (Deuteronomy 6:7-9).

There are also several weaknesses to the idealist philosophy. The first is that idealism is concerned with transcending reality while Christianity is about transforming reality. The Platonic idea of transcending the physical world has plagued the world for centuries. We serve the God of the incarnation who took on flesh and became the firstfruits of a new created, physical order. When Christ returns he will usher in his physical, earthly kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). Christians are to transform the physical world, not despise it and leave it for dead. Another problem with idealism is that it completely ignores the physical world. The Bible uses the physical world to teach and instruct and even God is compared to animals, stars and humans on occasion, so it is not bad by nature, it is just subject to futility under sin (Romans 8:20-23). Finally, the mind is actually corrupt in sin and cannot find truth apart from Christ. The renewal of the mind is needed in order to understand truth and in order to know the Absolute Self of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:2).