Definition of materialism
1 a
: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 materialism
b
:a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progress
c
: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.
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