Critical realism is a philosophical approach that combines a realist view of the world with a critical perspective on knowledge and understanding. It asserts that there is a reality independent of our perceptions, but our understanding of that reality is always mediated by social, cultural, and historical contexts. This means that while we can strive to understand the world, our interpretations are influenced by various factors. In critical realism, the focus is on uncovering the underlying structures and mechanisms that shape social phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of both empirical observation and theoretical analysis, encouraging researchers to explore the complexities of reality while remaining aware of their own biases and assumptions. This approach is often applied in fields like sociology, philosophy, and social science.