IDEALISM

noun Date: 1796 1. a. a theory that ultimate reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena, a theory that the essential nature of reality lies in consciousness or reason, b. a theory that only the perceptible is real, a theory that only mental states or entities are knowable, 2. the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence, something that is idealized, literary or artistic theory or practice that affirms the preeminent value of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature