Materialism
/məˈtɪəriəlɪzəm/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe philosophical doctrine that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all things, including mental states and consciousness, are a result of matter and its interactions.
/məˈtɪəriəlɪzəm/
The philosophical belief that matter is the fundamental substance in nature, and that all phenomena, including mental states, are the result of material interactions.
The philosopher defended his belief in materialism, arguing that consciousness arises from physical processes.
💡 Simply: Imagine everything is made of LEGOs – this philosophy says the LEGOs (the matter) are the only real things, and everything else is just how they're put together. Your thoughts and feelings? Just how the LEGOs of your brain are arranged!
👶 For kids: Materialism is when people believe that only stuff you can touch and see is real. Like your toys, the table, and the food you eat.
More Examples
Materialism is often contrasted with idealism, which asserts that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual.
Many scientific advancements are based on a materialistic view of the universe.
How It's Used
"Materialism is a key concept in philosophical discussions about the mind-body problem."
A way of life, opinion, or tendency that is concerned with material possessions and physical comfort rather than with spiritual or intellectual values.
/məˈtɪəriəlɪzəm/
A preoccupation with material possessions rather than intellectual or spiritual concerns.
The advertisements were criticized for promoting materialism and consumerism.
💡 Simply: Imagine a friend who only cares about having the newest phone or the coolest shoes. This is materialism - caring more about things you can buy than about your friends, family, or what's really important.
👶 For kids: Materialism is when you think having the most toys or the coolest clothes is the most important thing.
More Examples
He struggled with the materialism of modern society.
The novel critiques the materialism that has overtaken the town.
How It's Used
"Consumer culture is often criticized for promoting materialism."
"Her friends accused her of materialism after she started focusing only on buying designer clothes and cars."
Idioms & expressions
live the high life
To enjoy a life of luxury and wealth.
"They love materialism and enjoy living the high life, always buying expensive cars and clothes."
Keeping up with the Joneses
Trying to match the possessions, lifestyle, or social status of one's neighbors or peers.
"She was always keeping up with the Joneses, buying the same car as her neighbor, to demonstrate their social class."
From French *matérialisme*, from *matériel* ('material') and the suffix *-isme* ('-ism'). The term gained philosophical prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The term gained traction in the 18th century during the Enlightenment and was used to describe the belief that matter is the fundamental reality. Its use increased alongside the rise of scientific inquiry and against the backdrop of philosophical debates.
Memory tip
Think of 'material' things being the only things that truly exist, according to this philosophy.
Word Origin
"material"