Moral realism is a philosophical viewpoint that asserts that there are objective moral facts or truths that exist independently of human beliefs or opinions. According to moral realists, statements about what is right or wrong can be true or false, similar to factual claims about the physical world. This perspective contrasts with moral subjectivism, which holds that moral judgments are based on personal feelings or cultural norms.
Proponents of moral realism argue that moral truths can be discovered through reason, observation, or ethical inquiry. They believe that concepts like justice, fairness, and rights have an objective basis, making moral discussions meaningful and significant. Critics, however, question how we can know these moral truths and whether they truly exist outside of human perception.