Antimaterialist is spelled with the prefix "anti-" meaning against or opposite, and the word "materialist" referring to someone who believes that only material things exist, denying the existence of the spiritual or supernatural. The phonetic transcription in IPA is /ˌæntiˈmətɪəriəlɪst/. The stress falls on the third syllable "teri" and the ending "-ist" is pronounced with a schwa sound. This term is often used in philosophical debates about the nature of reality and the existence of God.
Antimaterialist refers to a person or philosophy that rejects or opposes the belief in the primacy of material possessions or physical realities and instead emphasizes the importance of non-material aspects of existence. Derived from the term “anti” which denotes opposition or contrast, and “materialist” which pertains to the conviction that the physical world is the sole reality, antimaterialism encompasses a range of perspectives that challenge the materialistic mindset.
Antimaterialism often maintains that there are higher values or spiritual dimensions beyond what can be perceived through the senses. It asserts that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be obtained solely through material wealth and possessions but rather through intellectual, emotional, or spiritual growth, altruism, and the pursuit of knowledge, meaning, or transcendence. Proponents of antimaterialism may advocate for a simpler and less consumer-driven lifestyle, promoting values such as empathy, compassion, creativity, and intellectual pursuits as means to achieve personal and societal well-being.
Within philosophical contexts, antimaterialism may be associated with idealism, skepticism, or spiritualism, rejecting the notion that matter is the fundamental aspect of reality. Some religious, spiritual, or philosophical traditions embrace antimaterialist stances as they place importance on non-physical concepts such as consciousness, spirit, or the divine.
Overall, antimaterialism challenges the notion that material possessions and physical wealth are the ultimate sources of happiness, urging individuals and society to recognize and prioritize the intangible, non-physical aspects of human existence.
The etymology of the word "antimaterialist" can be understood by breaking it down into its component parts.
1. "Anti": This prefix is derived from the Greek word "anti", meaning against, opposite, or in opposition to something.
2. "Materialist": This word is derived from "materialism", which originates from the Latin word "materies", meaning matter or substance. Materialism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the primacy of matter in explaining the universe and rejects the existence of any spiritual or immaterial entities.
Putting these parts together, "antimaterialist" refers to someone who is against or opposes materialism. It typically denotes a philosophical or ideological position that rejects the belief that matter is the fundamental or sole constituent of reality, often advocating for the existence of non-material aspects such as mind, consciousness, or spirituality.