Materialism is the philosophical system which emphasizes several points. Here is a short list of the most commonly held beliefs of the materialist.
1) The material universe is all there is. There is no spiritual life, no soul. Matter is primary.
2) God does not exist, only Man. Man is a god, and all "truth" emanates from humans.
3) Therefore, Man determines what is real and unreal. All reality ultimately is subjective.
4) The goal of humans is to create material utopias on earth as that is all there is.
5) Any type of spiritual realities are based on unseen energies or forces, which can be explained in material, not spiritual terms.
6) Materialism is connected to utilitarianism and functionalism, more isms which reduce humans to who is useful in a society (utiliarianism) and reduces all feelings, beliefs, thoughts as being located in sensory phenomenon, or learned behavior. For example, functionalism would dictate that morals are merely learned cultural norms and not related to anything spiritual, such as natural law.
7) Materialism leads to such other false ideas as intentionality, deconstructionism and post-deconstructionism and post-post modernism,etc.
8) Dialectic Materialism is Marxism, as defined by Marx himself based on Hegel, partly. This system of thought leads to Gramsci's ideas of hegemony.
Perhaps one can see overlaps in the two "ism" of materialism and consumerism.
Both remove the focus of the interior life of men and women. Both demand centering on the world and the flesh. Both deny the ultimate goal of humans, which is eternal life.
Both ultimately kill the soul, not only of individuals but of nations, cultures, even religious communities.
To be continued....
