Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

naturalism

noun

/ˈnætʃərəlɪzəm/

Definition

Naturalism is a philosophical viewpoint that suggests everything arises from natural properties and causes, and supernatural or spiritual explanations are excluded or discounted.

Examples

The novel is an excellent example of literary naturalism, depicting life without idealism.
In art, naturalism aims to represent subjects as they appear in everyday life.
Naturalism in philosophy often leads to a scientific understanding of reality.

Meaning

Naturalism emphasizes that all phenomena can be explained in terms of natural causes and laws. It is often associated with a rejection of metaphysics and the belief that the world can be understood through observation and scientific inquiry.