Physicalism vs. Materialism — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
Physicalism posits that everything is physical or explainable through physical laws, whereas materialism traditionally holds that matter is the fundamental substance in nature.
Difference Between Physicalism and Materialism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Physicalism is a philosophical stance that everything that exists is either physical or supervenes on, that is, can be reduced to, physical entities and their properties. Whereas, materialism is an older concept that primarily emphasizes that only matter and its movements and modifications can form the basis for all phenomena.
Under physicalism, modern interpretations often include not just classical matter but also energy and other physical entities recognized by contemporary science. Whereas materialism typically confines its framework to tangible matter and its interactions, which historically excluded concepts like energy or invisible forces.
Physicalism extends to imply that all sciences can ultimately be understood through physics. This includes biological, psychological, and social phenomena, which are seen as grounded in physical processes. On the other hand, materialism might not comprehensively account for phenomena like consciousness or emotions, which do not neatly correspond to mere material interactions.
In discussing causality, physicalism supports the idea that every cause is a physical process, with no non-physical causes or influences. In contrast, materialism, while generally similar in dismissing non-material influences, traditionally might not cover the full range of physical explanations such as those involving non-material forces discovered in physics.
Public and academic discussions around physicalism often engage with issues in philosophy of mind, especially concerning the physical basis of consciousness and mental states. Whereas, discussions on materialism are more likely to focus on its implications in ethics, politics, and economics, reflecting its broader historical context.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
All phenomena are physical or reducible to physical laws and properties.
Everything is made up of matter, and all phenomena are material.
Focus
Encompasses all known physical, including energy and forces.
Primarily focused on tangible, physical matter.
Sciences Included
Includes all sciences as fundamentally physical.
Often limited to physical sciences concerning tangible matter.
Philosophy of Mind
Tends to address issues like consciousness within a physical framework.
Less likely to incorporate non-material aspects of human experience.
Historical Context
Emerged with modern physics, reflecting an updated understanding.
Rooted in early scientific and philosophical thought about matter.
Compare with Definitions
Physicalism
A theory that posits all phenomena can be explained by physical processes.
Physicalism suggests thoughts are brain states, explainable by neurobiology.
Materialism
Belief that only matter and its movements constitute the real.
Classical materialism would argue that all of existence, including mind, arises from material conditions.
Physicalism
Claims no non-physical entities or causes exist.
Physicalism denies the existence of any supernatural forces influencing the physical world.
Materialism
Focuses on the tangible, physical aspects of the universe.
Materialism examines the cosmos in terms of particles and their interactions.
Physicalism
Integrates all sciences under a physicalist umbrella.
Physicalism views economics as ultimately grounded in physical human behaviors and environmental interactions.
Materialism
Views all phenomena as results of material interactions.
Materialism explains biological evolution strictly in terms of physical and chemical processes.
Physicalism
Often aligned with a scientific worldview.
Physicalism supports the idea that all scientific phenomena, including gravity, are part of the same physical reality.
Materialism
Traditionally excludes non-material concepts like mind or consciousness.
Materialism struggles to adequately explain consciousness using only material terms.
Physicalism
Emphasizes that everything supervenes on the physical.
Under physicalism, even social behaviors are traced back to physical brain activities.
Materialism
Often used to describe economic and political theories.
Marxist theory is materialistic as it views societal structures as based on economic conditions.
Physicalism
In philosophy, physicalism is the metaphysical thesis that "everything is physical", that there is "nothing over and above" the physical, or that everything supervenes on the physical. Physicalism is a form of ontological monism—a "one substance" view of the nature of reality as opposed to a "two-substance" (dualism) or "many-substance" (pluralism) view.
Materialism
Materialism is a form of philosophical monism that holds that matter is the fundamental substance in nature, and that all things, including mental states and consciousness, are results of material interactions. According to philosophical materialism, mind and consciousness are by-products or epiphenomena of material processes (such as the biochemistry of the human brain and nervous system), without which they cannot exist.
Physicalism
The doctrine that all that exists is ultimately physical.
Materialism
(Philosophy) The doctrine that physical matter is the only reality and that everything, including thought, feeling, mind, and will, can be explained in terms of matter and physical phenomena.
Physicalism
(philosophy) A philosophical position holding that everything which exists is no more extensive than its physical properties; that is, that there are no kinds of things other than physical things, which all are of logically procedural nature, based on fundamental laws at their deepest level of causality.
Materialism
The theory or attitude that physical well-being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life.
Physicalism
(philosophy) the philosophical theory that matter is the only reality
Materialism
Concern for possessions or material wealth and physical comfort, especially to the exclusion of spiritual or intellectual pursuits.
Materialism
Constant concern over material possessions and wealth; a great or excessive regard for worldly concerns.
Materialism
(philosophy) The philosophical belief that nothing exists beyond what is physical.
Materialism
Material substances in the aggregate; matter.
Materialism
The doctrine of materialists; materialistic views and tenets; called also philosophical materialism.
The irregular fears of a future state had been supplanted by the materialism of Epicurus.
Materialism
The tendency to give undue importance to material interests as contrasted with spiritual concerns; devotion to the material nature and its wants.
Materialism
Material substances in the aggregate; matter.
Materialism
A desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters
Materialism
(philosophy) the philosophical theory that matter is the only reality
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between physicalism and materialism?
Physicalism encompasses all physical phenomena, including non-material physical aspects, while materialism focuses on tangible matter.
How do physicalism and materialism differ in their treatment of science?
Physicalism integrates all sciences under a physicalist framework, while materialism may not incorporate sciences that deal with non-tangible entities.
How do physicalism and materialism approach the concept of mind?
Physicalism includes the mind as a physical entity, whereas materialism traditionally struggles with non-material concepts like mind.
Do physicalism and materialism have different ethical implications?
Yes, their different approaches to human nature and the universe can lead to different ethical and social implications.
Can materialism account for psychological phenomena?
Traditional materialism might not effectively explain psychological phenomena if they cannot be directly linked to material processes.
Can physicalism explain consciousness?
Physicalism attempts to explain consciousness and mental states through physical processes, such as brain functions.
Is materialism still relevant in modern philosophy?
Materialism remains influential, particularly in discussions of philosophy related to ethics and socio-economic theories.
What would a materialist say about ghosts or spirits?
A materialist would deny the existence of ghosts or spirits, as these are not composed of material substance.
How do physicalism and materialism view the supernatural?
Both reject the existence of supernatural phenomena, though their rationales are grounded in their respective understandings of what constitutes 'natural'.
Which theory is more aligned with modern science, physicalism or materialism?
Physicalism is generally more aligned with modern science, particularly physics, as it accommodates developments that include non-tangible entities like energy.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
