A THEORETICAL VALIDATION OF IDEALISM

One of the fundamental and unending debates in political science is that between realism and idealism. Realism is often regarded as the acceptance and response to a situation as it is, or as presented by the senses. Idealism, on the other hand, is the belief that the human mind is capable of comprehending reality. There have been arguments of superiority between the two doctrines, as well as their complementarity. Political scientists have continued to disagree over the relative merits of idealism and realism. It is also becoming widely acknowledged that reason and experience can work together to evidence social reality. However, this treatise is an attempt to theoretically validate the status of idealism, including its importance as a reliable tool for understanding phenomena. Resting on rationalism as its theoretical and methodological frameworks for analysis, the study argues, among other things, that idealism’s approach to knowledge is intellectual and holistic, and that human existence will be inherently material, appetitive and irrational without the normative principle that defines idealism. It recommends the cultivation of moral and ethical character through virtue education and discipline to ensure that humans maintain the ideal purpose for which they live. This study contributes to knowledge by extending beyond the meaning of idealism to offer valuable insights into its ability to produce a well-rounded individual capable of critical thinking, moral orientation and peaceful existence.