representationalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “representationalism” mean?
The philosophical doctrine that our mental states (perceptions, thoughts) are internal representations of external reality.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The philosophical doctrine that our mental states (perceptions, thoughts) are internal representations of external reality.
In art, a style that aims to depict recognizable objects or scenes from the physical world, as opposed to abstract or non-objective art. In political theory, the principle that elected officials should act as delegates representing the views of their constituents.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. In academic philosophy, the term is used identically. In art contexts, British English may slightly more frequently use 'figurative art' as a near-synonym.
Connotations
In philosophy, often a neutral technical term. In art criticism, can sometimes carry a pejorative connotation of being conservative or unoriginal when used by proponents of abstraction.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Almost exclusively found in specialized academic texts (philosophy, art theory, political science).
Grammar
How to Use “representationalism” in a Sentence
[Subject] advocates/defends/rejects/challenges representationalism.The debate over representationalism centres on [issue].Representationalism in [field, e.g., art] holds that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “representationalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Philosophers often debate whether to **representationalise** perceptual experience.
American English
- The artist sought not to **representationalize** the scene but to evoke its emotional essence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Found in philosophy journals (mind, perception), art history papers, and political theory texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used in a highly educated discussion about art or philosophy.
Technical
Precisely defined term in philosophy of mind and aesthetics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “representationalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “representationalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “representationalism”
- Mispronouncing it as 're-pre-sen-ta-tion-al-ism' (stressing 'ta'). Correct stress is on 'taɪ' (/ˈteɪʃ/).
- Confusing it with 'presentationalism' (which is not a standard term).
- Using it to mean simply 'being representative' in a non-technical sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The 'homunculus problem' or infinite regress: if a perception is a picture in the mind, who is looking at that picture? It also struggles to explain how mental representations connect to the world they are supposed to represent.
Very closely related, but not identical. Representationalism is the broader category of art that depicts recognizable things. Realism is a specific movement within representationalism that aims for accurate, detailed, and unembellished depiction of ordinary life.
Direct realism (or naive realism) argues that we perceive the external world directly, not via internal representations. Enactivism and embodied cognition also offer non-representational models of the mind.
It would sound highly academic and out of place. In everyday talk about art, use 'figurative' or 'realistic'. In general talk about ideas, use 'representation' or 'depiction'.
The philosophical doctrine that our mental states (perceptions, thoughts) are internal representations of external reality.
Representationalism is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Representationalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃənəlɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃənəˌlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
REPRESENTATIONALism: Think of a painter creating a RE-presentation of a landscape on their canvas, or a politician RE-presenting your views in parliament. Both are about making an internal model (art or government) stand for an external reality.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A THEATRE (containing representations of the world). ART IS A MIRROR (reflecting reality).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would the term 'representationalism' LEAST likely be used?