What is materialist theory?

Materialist theory posits that physical matter is the primary substance of reality, emphasizing that all phenomena, including consciousness, thoughts, and social structures, arise from material conditions and interactions. It often contrasts with idealism, which prioritizes ideas and consciousness as the foundation of existence. In philosophy, it underpins various schools of thought, including Marxism, which links material conditions to social change and human behavior. Essentially, materialism asserts that understanding the material world is key to understanding all aspects of life.