Question

Metaphysical realism, according to Wikipedia, maintains that whatever exists does so with properties and relations independently of deriving its existence or nature from being thought of or experienced. According to SEP, the world, according to metaphysical realism, exists independently of how humans or other inquiring agents perceive it. The objects in the world, along with their properties and relations, determine the world's nature. These objects, properties, and relations exist independently of our ability to discover them. Metaphysical realists argue that unless this is so, none of our beliefs about the world could be objectively true, as true beliefs objectively describe how things are, independent of what anyone might think.

Many philosophers consider metaphysical realism to be common sense. Others view it as a direct implication of modern science, portraying humans as fallible creatures adrift in an inhospitable world not of their making.

Naive (or direct) realism, as per Wikipedia, is a philosophy of mind rooted in a common-sense theory of perception. It claims that our senses provide us with direct awareness of the external world. In contrast, some forms of idealism assert that no world exists apart from mind-dependent ideas, and some forms of skepticism argue that we cannot trust our senses. Naive realism posits that objects have properties such as texture, smell, taste, and color, usually perceived accurately—we perceive them as they really are.

Are metaphysical realism and direct (or naive) realism the same thing? The relationship between metaphysical realism and direct realism is like that between rectangles and squares or fruit and apples. Everyone who accepts direct realism accepts metaphysical realism, but not everyone who accepts metaphysical realism necessarily accepts direct realism. Metaphysical realism encompasses a collection of beliefs with similarities, and direct realism is one of these beliefs, though not the only one. Another significant belief is indirect realism.

You can think of it like this:

Metaphysical realism = the belief that reality exists independently of any observer
Direct realism = Metaphysical realism + the belief that our senses tell us about reality
Indirect realism = Metaphysical realism + the belief that our senses create a representation of reality
The difference is that the things that exist as base reality in the metaphysical plane (metaphysical realism) are not necessarily those things that we naively or directly perceive as the base reality. Consider the simulation hypothesis (popularized by the movie The Matrix), and the difference becomes apparent. Naive or direct realism is a form of metaphysical realism, but not all metaphysical realism is naive or direct. . What is the main claim of metaphysical realism?
a. Reality is a product of human thought
b. Reality exists independently of human perception
c. Reality is constantly changing
d. Reality is an illusion

Answer 1

Metaphysical realism claims that reality exists independently of human perception, with objective truths hinging on this external existence. Idealism and Process Metaphysics offer alternative views, where reality is either mental or composed of dynamic events. Naturalism and direct realism further explore the relationship between perception and external reality within metaphysics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Metaphysical Realism

Metaphysical realism posits a view where reality exists independently of human minds and perceptions. This philosophical stance holds that objects, properties, and relations that constitute the world do not rely on our thoughts or experiences to exist. Metaphysical realists argue that, for beliefs about the world to be objectively true, they must correspond to a reality that is external and independent of perception.

Contrary to metaphysical realism, Idealism suggests that reality is primarily mental or spiritual, with material objects being a secondary facet of experience. Plato's theory of Forms, where entities such as perfect circles exist in an ideal realm beyond the physical, exemplifies this perspective. Additionally, alternatives like Process Metaphysics perceive reality as a dynamic process composed of events and 'eternal objects', thereby challenging the static view of existence.

Defining what is 'real' within the field of metaphysics often revolves around differing ideologies like naturalism, which equates reality with the physical world that is empirically testable, and direct realism, which asserts that perception provides direct access to this external world. Through these discussions, metaphysics seeks to unveil the essential characteristics common to all that is considered real.