Materialism
Materialism is a philosophical view that holds matter as the fundamental reality and explains mind, consciousness, and thought as arising from material processes.
Materialism is the philosophical view that matter is the fundamental reality, with mind and consciousness arising from material processes. In everyday use, it can also mean a strong focus on possessions and wealth.
What it is
Philosophical materialism holds that only matter exists fundamentally, and that everything else—including thought, consciousness, and ideas—can be reduced to or explained by material processes. This contrasts with idealism, which gives priority to mind or spirit.
Everyday meaning
In common language, a materialist is someone who places strong importance on material goods, wealth, and possessions. Dictionaries and encyclopedias distinguish this usage from the philosophical sense.
Key details
Materialist ideas appear in ancient Greek philosophy (e.g., Democritus, Epicurus) and later in modern and Marxist thought. Dialectical materialism, the Marxist form, holds that material reality develops through contradictions and change.
In short
- Matter is primary; mind depends on material processes.
- Opposite of idealism, which prioritizes mind or spirit.
- Everyday materialism means focus on possessions and wealth.
- Dialectical materialism is central to Marxist theory.
Canadian readers may encounter materialism both as a general philosophy topic and through Marxist theory in political, historical, and social studies contexts.
Quick questions
What is a materialist?
What is the difference between materialist and idealist?
Is materialism a religion?
Sources
- Filosofia.org — https://www.filosofia.org/filomat/df001.htmSupports: Defines philosophical materialism as a systematic doctrine about reality and contrasts it with idealism and monistic forms.
- Significados — https://www.significados.com/materialismo/Supports: States that materialism holds reality is composed of matter and explains dialectical materialism as change through internal contradictions.
- Enciclopedia de la Política — https://www.encyclopaediadelapolitica.org/materialismo/Supports: Explains materialism as the view that matter is the universal substance and that thought depends on matter.
- Real Academia Española — https://dle.rae.es/materialismoSupports: Gives dictionary senses for materialism, including the everyday meaning and the Marxist doctrine definition.
- Herder Encyclopaedia — https://encyclopaedia.herdereditorial.com/wiki/MaterialismoSupports: Distinguishes common usage from the philosophical sense and states that materialism claims only matter exists or is reducible to matter.
- Unprofesor — https://www.unprofesor.com/ciencias-sociales/materialismo-filosofico-caracteristicas-importantes-5295.htmlSupports: Provides a brief historical overview and lists ancient Greek and modern thinkers associated with materialism.