On September 12th we discussed a topic I had never really been introduced to before; that the central problem in western philosophy is idealism vs realism. Idealists were defined as religious people that seek and believe in a divine, while realists are rather skeptical. I find myself stuck between both philosophies because I am not overbearingly religious, but I do like to think that there is an eternity and after life that I as a Christian will enter once I pass on, but I also relate to realists because I make the best of what I have and do not feel the dire need to always strive for perfection. I think it is possible to be a little of both because there is a certain hope and relief you feel knowing a loved on that has passed away is in Heaven, but also can be a realist because although you believe in a ideal, perfect place you still are skeptical of much and if a Heaven really does exist. In class it was said it is easy to mock a realist because they have no major aspirations, which I disagree with. Just because you’re a realist and do not feel the desire to seek the ideal does not mean you do not try or put in an effort to make a good life for yourself. I do not find it fair to label only idealists as optimistic, when realists can be hopeful without believing in an ideal. The topic is very open to personal opinion and obviously not everyone will agree that you are either an idealists or a realist.