idealism
ide.al.ism \-'de--(*-).liz-*m\ n 1a1: a theory that ultimate reality lies
in a realm transcending phenomena 1a2: a theory that the essential nature
of reality lies in consciousness or reason 1b1: a theory that only the
perceptible is real 1b2: a theory that only mental states or entities are
knowable 2a: the practice of forming ideals or living under their
influence 2b: something that is idealized 3: literary or artistic theory
or practice that values ideal or subjective types or aspects of beauty
more than formal or sensible qualities or that affirms the preeminent value
of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature