materialism

1a :  a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter (see ¹matter 2) scientific materialismb :  a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progressc :  a doctrine that economic or social change is materially caused — compare historical materialism

2 :  a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things materialism, hedonism, and the overriding quest for personal gratification — A. M. Schlesinger, Jr.