Uns 2030 Study Guide
UNGS 2030
MATERIALISM
Table of Contents
1.0
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 2
2.0
DEFINITION OF MATERIALISM ............................................................................... 3
3.0
HISTORY OF MATERIALISM .................................................................................... 3
3.1 PERSPECTIVE OF MIND .............................................................................................. 4
3.2 GREEK AND ROMAN MATERIALISM ...................................................................... 5
3.3 MODERN MAERIALISM .............................................................................................. …show more content…
3.0 HISTORY OF MATERIALISM
Materialism is the idea that everything is either made only of matter or is ultimately dependent upon matter for its existence and nature. It is possible for a philosophy to be materialistic and still accord spirit a (secondary or dependent) place, but most forms of materialism tend to reject the existence of spirit or anything non-physical.
In the wider world, however, the word materialism may bring to mind dialectical materialism, which was the orthodox philosophy of communist countries. This is most importantly a theory of how changes arise in human history, though a general metaphysical theory lies in the background. Dialectical materialists contrast their view with what they call “vulgar” materialism; and it does, indeed, appear that their theory is not an extreme materialism, whether mechanical or physicalist. They seem to hold merely that mental processes are dependent on or have evolved from material ones. Though they might be akin to emergent materialists, it is hard to be sure; their assertion that something new emerges at higher …show more content…
(Surat Al-Isra. 17:70)
As Muslims, our main goal should be success in the Hereafter and not amassing wealth in this world. Indeed, the Holy Quran warns us about the excessive accumulation of riches:
“Those who hoard gold and silver, and do not spend it in the way of Allah, inform them of a painful punishment.” (Surah Al-Tawbah 9:34)
Elsewhere, the Quran warns us:
“Abundance diverts you, until you come to the graves.” (Surah Al-Takathur, 102:1-2)
To emphasize the dangers of materialism, the Quran brings the story of the rich Israelite
Qarun (Korah), who oppressed the poor just like the moneyed materialists in the West.
Korah possessed so much wealth that even strong men had difficulty merely carrying the keys to his treasures!
“Indeed, Korah was of the people of Moses, but he oppressed them; and We had given him so much treasure that its keys would have been a burden to a group of strong men.” (Surah AlQasas 28:76)
He was even warned by the elders of his own people not to behave this way, rather he was advised to do good deeds with his money and to plan for the Hereafter.
“Then, his people said to him, „Do not rejoice (in your riches), for Allah does not like
MATERIALISM
Table of Contents
1.0
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 2
2.0
DEFINITION OF MATERIALISM ............................................................................... 3
3.0
HISTORY OF MATERIALISM .................................................................................... 3
3.1 PERSPECTIVE OF MIND .............................................................................................. 4
3.2 GREEK AND ROMAN MATERIALISM ...................................................................... 5
3.3 MODERN MAERIALISM .............................................................................................. …show more content…
3.0 HISTORY OF MATERIALISM
Materialism is the idea that everything is either made only of matter or is ultimately dependent upon matter for its existence and nature. It is possible for a philosophy to be materialistic and still accord spirit a (secondary or dependent) place, but most forms of materialism tend to reject the existence of spirit or anything non-physical.
In the wider world, however, the word materialism may bring to mind dialectical materialism, which was the orthodox philosophy of communist countries. This is most importantly a theory of how changes arise in human history, though a general metaphysical theory lies in the background. Dialectical materialists contrast their view with what they call “vulgar” materialism; and it does, indeed, appear that their theory is not an extreme materialism, whether mechanical or physicalist. They seem to hold merely that mental processes are dependent on or have evolved from material ones. Though they might be akin to emergent materialists, it is hard to be sure; their assertion that something new emerges at higher …show more content…
(Surat Al-Isra. 17:70)
As Muslims, our main goal should be success in the Hereafter and not amassing wealth in this world. Indeed, the Holy Quran warns us about the excessive accumulation of riches:
“Those who hoard gold and silver, and do not spend it in the way of Allah, inform them of a painful punishment.” (Surah Al-Tawbah 9:34)
Elsewhere, the Quran warns us:
“Abundance diverts you, until you come to the graves.” (Surah Al-Takathur, 102:1-2)
To emphasize the dangers of materialism, the Quran brings the story of the rich Israelite
Qarun (Korah), who oppressed the poor just like the moneyed materialists in the West.
Korah possessed so much wealth that even strong men had difficulty merely carrying the keys to his treasures!
“Indeed, Korah was of the people of Moses, but he oppressed them; and We had given him so much treasure that its keys would have been a burden to a group of strong men.” (Surah AlQasas 28:76)
He was even warned by the elders of his own people not to behave this way, rather he was advised to do good deeds with his money and to plan for the Hereafter.
“Then, his people said to him, „Do not rejoice (in your riches), for Allah does not like