Definition

A person who believes that everything in the world is physical and that all phenomena can be explained by physical laws.

Example

As a physicalist, she argues that mental states are ultimately physical states.

Conversation

I was reading about different philosophical views, and I came across the term physicalist.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

A physicalist believes that everything, including thoughts and feelings, can be explained by physical processes.

That’s interesting! It makes you think about how we understand our own consciousness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Physicalist → It is formed from "physical" (from Greek "physikos", meaning natural or pertaining to nature) and "-ist" (meaning one who practices or is concerned with). The word "physicalist" refers to someone who believes in the doctrine that everything is physical or that physical things are the only reality.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is concerned with the 'natural' ('physikos') world — that's why a physicalist is someone who believes everything is physical.

Visually Confused Words