Realism and pragmatism are philosophical approaches that often intersect, but they are not the same. Realism generally focuses on understanding the world as it is, emphasizing objective reality and the existence of entities independent of our perceptions or beliefs. It seeks to represent truth and facts without distortion, asserting that reality exists regardless of human thought or intervention.
On the other hand, pragmatism centers around the practical implications of ideas and theories. It posits that the truth of a belief or proposition is determined by its practical outcomes and effectiveness in real-world applications. Pragmatists are less concerned with an objective reality than with how concepts work in various situations.
In summary, while both realism and pragmatism engage with the nature of reality and truth, realism aims for an accurate depiction of the world, while pragmatism evaluates the worth of ideas based on their practical results. Thus, they are distinct philosophies with different purposes and methodologies.