Actualist

An **actualist** is an individual who believes that only concrete, real objects and events exist, rejecting the existence of abstract concepts, potential, or unrealized possibilities as independent entities. Actualists emphasize the present and observable reality, prioritizing sensory experience and empirical evidence. They often advocate for a pragmatic approach to knowledge and action, focusing on what is currently happening or has happened in the past. Actualism can be applied to philosophical and even artistic contexts, with a heavy emphasis on the present moment and its specific details. This view sometimes denies the existence of unchanging objects.

Actualist meaning with examples

• The seasoned detective, an actualist at heart, dismissed the suspect's elaborate theoretical explanations. He focused instead on the tangible evidence: the fingerprints, the alibi, and the witness testimony, demanding proof rooted in reality. Only hard facts mattered in the present.
• In her artwork, the actualist painter rejected idealized depictions, choosing to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of her subjects. She painted exactly what she observed in the world at that time, capturing the ephemeral quality of existence.
• As a financial advisor, he took an actualist approach to investing, concentrating on established companies with strong present performance, rather than speculative ventures with future potential. The focus was the now, not hypothetical projections.
• During the debate on history, the actualist historian argued that the past should only be viewed by what evidence remains, dismissing theories that depend on conjecture, which is why they only consider factual evidence of the time.