What's the opposite of materialism?

Question

Cannot think of the word... Is it idealism?

Answer 1

spiritualism?

Answer 2

Having children and paying tax

Answer 3

Hmmmm. How about "no maintenance?"

Answer 4

The opposite of a materialist is a minimalist.

Answer 5

Spiritualism

Answer 6

this view was put in place to confront the ideas of metaphysics, so with that any philosophy in this domain is in opposition.

Answer 7

hi! i hope this would shed light to your question

MATERIALISM (n.)

philosophy theory of the physical: the theory that physical matter is the only reality and that psychological states such as emotions, reason, thought, and desire will eventually be explained as physical functions

focus on possessions: devotion to material wealth and possessions at the expense of spiritual or intellectual values

antonym: DETACHMENT

Answer 8

Sitting naked with no clothes on eating berries in the woods.

Answer 9

Non-attatchment

Answer 10

In philosophy, materialism is the notion that only physical matter can be demonstrated to exist and that all other phenomenon are produced directly from this material stuff.  In common talk, people (and most of the answerers) get this confused with ethical materialism which suggests that material things are the only things of value and importance.

You are correct about the opposite of materialism, which is idealism.  Idealism suggests that there is no material substance and that everything that seems to exist is a product of thought and consciousness.  That ideas are the true reality.

Of course, it is quite possible to have various compromises between the two.  Dualists believe that material bodies may have ideal counterparts (like a soul).  And some hold that materialism in itself cannot explain all phenomenon and that the universe would be lessened by the absence of conscious entities within it.  And there are always those who are materialist on one issue and idealist on another.

Answer 11

Nakedism?

Answer 12

Spirituality (Intangible) things, no matter, invisible, one can`t touch them.

Answer 13

Christianity.  I don't know the philosophical ideal, but sacrifice is the opposite of materialism, and Christianity preaches sacrifice.

By the way, sacrifice destroys the world, in the end, so the opposite of materialism is destruction.

Answer 14

The opposite of materialism is unselfishness and compassionate charity.

Humanism/non-materialism?

Answer 15

Asceticism

Answer 16

Meliorism = the doctrine that the world tends to become better or may be made better by human effort.

Answer 17

Ugggh...I can't think of many single words for an opposite.

How about enlightenment?

Answer 18

its actually called anti-materialism. you can look it up on wikipedia or any other site. its also a major idea in fight club