Final answer:
Idealism and materialism are indeed opposing metaphysical theories; idealism asserts that reality is rooted in mental constructs, while materialism claims that material phenomena define reality. Pragmatism, by focusing on practical consequences and a changing universe, presents a different approach from both. Marxism represents a type of materialism focused on empirical observation and class struggle driving social change.
Step-by-step explanation:
Idealism and materialism are two opposing types of metaphysical theories that address the question of what is ultimately real. Idealism posits that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual, while materialism contends that reality is fundamentally physical or material.
Pragmatism, a philosophical tradition that emerged in the late 19th century, differs significantly from both idealism and materialism. It focuses on the practical effects of ideas and regards thought as a tool for problem-solving, rather than a means of directly mirroring or representing reality. Pragmatists assess the truth of ideas by their practical applications and successes in the real world.
In contrast, idealism, exemplified by philosophers like Plato, suggests that ideas themselves form the basis of reality and that our understanding of the physical world is shaped by our mental constructs. This view is in opposition to materialism, which asserts that the physical, tangible world is the only reality and that everything can be explained in terms of material phenomena.
Marxism is a form of materialism called dialectical materialism. It emphasizes empirical perception through the senses and encompasses the idea that social and historical processes are driven by material conditions rather than ideas. In a dialectical process, conflicting forces, such as class struggles, drive societal changes toward a synthesis.