What is the belief of realism in relation to universals?

The belief of realism regarding universals posits that universals exist independently of our thoughts, perceptions, or beliefs. This philosophical position suggests that abstractions such as properties, types, or qualities—like "redness" or "humanity"—are not merely products of individual minds but instead have an objective existence. Realists argue that these universals can be discovered and that they hold true regardless of whether or not any particular individual recognizes or conceptualizes them. This distinguishes realism from idealism, which views universals as tied to mental constructs or subjective interpretations. Understanding this distinction is crucial in the study of philosophy and psychology, as it underlies significant debates about the nature of concepts, categories, and their existence in relation to human cognition.