materialism
muh-TEER-ee-uh-liz-um
/məˈtɪə.ri.ə.lɪzəm/
The philosophical belief that nothing exists except matter and its movements and modifications.
In philosophy, refers to physicalism (reality is matter/energy), distinct from consumerist obsession with money.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'materia' meaning timber or substance, combined with suffix '-ism'. Developed into a philosophical theory in 17th century science.
Word relationships
- physicalism: Physicalism is the modern term including matter, energy, forces, and physical laws.
- idealism: Idealism claims reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual.
- dualism: Dualism claims both physical and mental realms exist distinctly.
Commonly confused with
- consumerism: Consumerism is desire for material goods; materialism in philosophy is a worldview about physical matter.
Word family
- materialist (noun): Believer in materialism.
- materialistic (adjective): Relating to matter or consumer goods.
Collocations
- dialectical materialism
- philosophical materialism
- eliminative materialism
Example sentences
- "Philosophical materialism asserts that consciousness is entirely produced by physical brain activity." Philosophical metaphysics
Memory hook
MATERIAL-ism = Only PHYSICAL MATERIAL exists. Matter is all that matters.
When not to use
Specify whether you mean cultural materialism (greed) or philosophical materialism (physicalism).
Fun facts
- Ancient Greek philosophers Democritus and Epicurus were early pioneers of atomistic materialism.
Related words
Explore more words
materiality, objectification, corporeal, riches, worldly, nihilism
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