Was Saint Simon an idealist or realist?

Answer 1

I would say that Saint-Simon was an idealist. He argued that the beliefs about an ideal society were useless unless a tinker took into account social realities, this would be counted as realism. However, he believed his systems would work without problem, including the laws, and government system. He also believed that society would prosper under one and only one religion. This is unrealistic considering people have their own beliefs of religion, forcing one upon everyone would surely cause revolts and maybe even a war. He thought there would be no problem with this. Upon the definition of idealism; the practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically, Saint-Simon is definitely an idealist.