See Also: Materialism(medicine)
materialism(dictionary)
materialism(encyclopedia)
materialism(dictionary)
dialectical materialism(encyclopedia)

materialism (iou)



materialism noun. M18.
[from MATERIAL + -ISM.]
Philosophy. The doctrine that nothing exists except matter and its movements and modifications. Also, the doctrine that consciousness and will are wholly due to the operation of material agencies. M18.
Art. A tendency to lay stress on the material aspect of the objects represented. M19.
A tendency to prefer material possessions and physical comfort to spiritual values; a way of life based on material interests. M19.
A. N. Wilson The materialism of the modern world..washing machines, glass and steel, and a Comprehensive School.
Christian Church. An excessive emphasis on the material aspects of the sacraments at the expense of the spiritual. contempt. M19.
Phrases: dialectical materialism: see DIALECTICAL adjective 2.