Difference between revisions of "Materialism"
(improved) |
(fixed link) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Materialism''' is a belief system insisting that existence is limited to what is detectable in some form by the senses—for instance [[matter]], [[light]], and so forth. Materialism denies or downplays the existence of anything not directly detectable by the senses. For example, materialism denies existence of love, spirituality, intelligent design, and [[God]]. | '''Materialism''' is a belief system insisting that existence is limited to what is detectable in some form by the senses—for instance [[matter]], [[light]], and so forth. Materialism denies or downplays the existence of anything not directly detectable by the senses. For example, materialism denies existence of love, spirituality, intelligent design, and [[God]]. | ||
| − | Materialism is contrasted with [[faith]], [[substance dualism]] and [[immaterialism]]. Arguments for materialism commonly employ [[ontological | + | Materialism is contrasted with [[faith]], [[substance dualism]] and [[immaterialism]]. Arguments for materialism commonly employ [[ontological]] principles such as [[Occam's Razor]]—as an immaterial realm is wholly superfluous to materialists' understanding of the world, they have no reason to believe it exists. |
"Materialism" can also refer to an obsession with material goods. | "Materialism" can also refer to an obsession with material goods. | ||
Revision as of 02:58, December 24, 2007
Materialism is a belief system insisting that existence is limited to what is detectable in some form by the senses—for instance matter, light, and so forth. Materialism denies or downplays the existence of anything not directly detectable by the senses. For example, materialism denies existence of love, spirituality, intelligent design, and God.
Materialism is contrasted with faith, substance dualism and immaterialism. Arguments for materialism commonly employ ontological principles such as Occam's Razor—as an immaterial realm is wholly superfluous to materialists' understanding of the world, they have no reason to believe it exists.
"Materialism" can also refer to an obsession with material goods.
The teachings of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin (see Marxism-Leninism) rest upon a particular philosophy called dialectical materialism.
Quotes
- The greatest failure of materialism is that it simply cannot explain the existence of information. [1]