Idealism

Definition

Idealism is a term with several related meanings. It comes directly from the Greek "idealismos" (ιδεαλισμός) which derives from the word "ιδέα" (idea).

The term entered the English language by 1796. In ordinary use, it often suggests the formation and influence of ideals, the importance of principles, values and goals as well as present realities, perhaps a tendency to represent things as they might be rather than as they are.


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