The term "materialists" can have different meanings depending on the context. Here's a breakdown:
🔹 1. Philosophical Meaning (Materialism)
In philosophy, materialists are people who believe that:
"Everything that exists is made of physical matter — there is no supernatural, spiritual, or non-material reality."
Key Points:
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Mind and consciousness are seen as by-products of the physical brain.
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No existence beyond death (no soul or afterlife).
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Common in scientific or secular worldviews.
Notable Materialist Thinkers:
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Democritus – Ancient Greek who proposed everything is made of atoms.
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Karl Marx – Introduced dialectical materialism in his political theory.
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Richard Dawkins – Modern-day materialist focused on biology and atheism.
🔹 2. Everyday Meaning (Consumerism)
In casual use, materialists may refer to:
"People who place high importance on material possessions, money, and physical comforts."
Traits often associated:
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Desire for luxury, status, or wealth.
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May be seen as lacking spiritual or emotional depth.
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Often contrasted with "minimalists" or "spiritualists."
🔹 3. Religious View
Many religious traditions view materialism as a negative attachment to the physical world, which:
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Distracts from spiritual growth.
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Leads to greed, ego, and dissatisfaction.
✅ Example Sentences
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"Philosophical materialists argue that the soul is just brain activity."
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"She's such a materialist — always chasing designer brands."
