naturalism

/ˌnætʃərəˈlɪzəm/

/ˈnætʃərəlɪzəm/

Naturalism is the belief that nothing exists beyond the natural world. Instead of using supernatural or spiritual explanations, naturalism focuses on explanations that come from the laws of nature.

Beyond the belief that everything can be explained using nature, naturalism is also a term for a particular style of art and literature from the 19th century. Naturalism refers to a realistic approach to art that rejects idealized experiences. So when you look at a painting that embodies the spirit of naturalism, you'll notice it capturing the real world rather than trying to make things look better than they are. With naturalism: what you see is what you get.

Definitions of naturalism

1. noun

   an artistic movement in 19th century France; artists and writers strove for detailed realistic and factual description
   synonyms: realism

   type of:

   art movement, artistic movement

   a group of artists who agree on general principles
2. noun

   (philosophy) the doctrine that the world can be understood in scientific terms without recourse to spiritual or supernatural explanations
   type of:

   philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory

   a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy