How does philosophical realism describe the relationship between the mind and the external world?

Philosophical realism describes the relationship between the mind and the external world by asserting that the objects of human knowledge, belief, and experience exist independently of our cognitive or investigative activities.1

In its metaphysical aspect, realism maintains that physical objects—such as tables, rocks, and planets—are "public" and mind-independent, meaning their existence does not depend on being perceived or experienced by anyone. This contrasts with mental entities, such as thoughts or pains, which are considered "private" and mind-dependent.2

To explain how we access this external world, realists generally adopt one of two positions:

• Direct Realism: Holds that we perceive physical objects directly, without the need to infer their existence from mental intermediaries.2
• Representative Realism: Argues that we are directly aware only of "sense-data" (mental appearances) and only indirectly aware of the physical objects that cause those data through causal processes.2

Ultimately, realism posits that objective truth requires this mind-independence, ensuring that the reality of the world remains an objective matter regardless of human belief.13