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Materalism

Thisica

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I have seen this word used in widely-different ways. I wonder what other people think of this concept: is it overused to the point of meaninglessness? Do we use the word, even when it's not appropiate? And finally: what do you think it means?
 

lowtech redneck

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When I hear the word, it brings to mind (depending on the context) someone who values material comforts more than human relationships, intellectual pursuits, or spiritual concerns. It is probably over-used, but not as much as 'consumerism'.
 

Athenian200

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When I think of a materialist, I think of it as a person who is focused mostly on accumulating wealth and status symbols, like a big house, a nice car, lots of expensive electronics, etc... you know what I mean?
 

ScorpioINTP

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When I think of a materialist, I think of it as a person who is focused mostly on accumulating wealth and status symbols, like a big house, a nice car, lots of expensive electronics, etc... you know what I mean?

Athenian is right for once. :solidarity:

I don't think it is meaningless and I think it is a problem in certain parts of the country more than others.
 

Savage Idealist

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Social Materialsim: yay presents, stuff, goods, and money! Physical items like TV's, cars, games, food, other shit that I don't need! (also reltaed to consumerism)

Physical Materialism: all stuff in the universe is made up of atoms and all the shit you learned in physics. (also related to atomism)
 

Beargryllz

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A materialist values the material over the immaterial. This we can say for sure.
 

Mole

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I have seen this word used in widely-different ways. I wonder what other people think of this concept: is it overused to the point of meaninglessness? Do we use the word, even when it's not appropiate? And finally: what do you think it means?

'Materialism' is a pejorative word used by those who believe in the supernatural.

The word 'materialism' is a way of bad mouthing those who don't believe in the supernatural.

The supernaturalists sneer at the naturalists by calling them 'materialists'.

The word 'materialism' is a way of bullying those who don't believe in the supernatural.
 

Qre:us

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'Materialism' is a pejorative word used by those who believe in the supernatural.

The word 'materialism' is a way of bad mouthing those who don't believe in the supernatural.

The supernaturalists sneer at the naturalists by calling them 'materialists'.

The word 'materialism' is a way of bullying those who don't believe in the supernatural.

+3
1 for answering it correctly
1 for staying on topic with "philosophy"
1 for staying on topic with "spirituality"

Well done, Mr. Toad!
 

Thalassa

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It's two things. It can be someone who cares more about wealth than other human beings or relationships or intellect/education.

It can also be like when the little dancing man in Twin Peaks runs his hands back and forth and says "formica table," wondering at the reality of the physical world, at ideas and energy made form.
 

guesswho

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It's a label.
I suppose people use it to define behavior, a preference towards material things.
I've actually thought of this for a while.

People perceive objects differently, therefor there will be a multitude of perspectives and "relationships" with objects.
If objects make us feel better, we buy more, otherwise we don't...obviously.

You feel something when you buy something new, you're somewhat excited, I can't define that feeling.
Buying things causes addiction...so the pleasure "materialistic" people experience from the objects must be pretty intense...otherwise...they wouldn't get ADDICTED to buying shit.

You can also spend your money on experiencing new things, which is far more interesting, you can go places, you can do a lot of stuff. You don't have to buy a bigger tv. :thelook:
 

erm

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The two main meanings I encounter:

A focus on material wealth over other things.
The doctrine that reality is entirely material, or fundamentally based on the material.

All I can say is, the first one may well be a sensible way to prioritise life, I honestly don't know. It's certainly a solid path, with steady and predictable benefits.

The latter definition won't change your life in the slightest outside of the belief itself, and is yet another example of people forming opinions out of ignorance. Dualism, Idealism, Materialism, and whatever else, they all empirically identical from our view of the universe.
 

Octarine

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You can also spend your money on experiencing new things, which is far more interesting, you can go places, you can do a lot of stuff.

Emphasis on experiences, such as travel is still materialistic in a sociological sense..
 
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