Samuel Chiltern answered
The modern English usage of 'Philistine' is an adaptation of the German word 'Philister' - which is a term used to denote people who are not academic (and thus more likely to be uncultured). It can also be used to apply to people who are materialistic.
What Is Philistinism?
Philistinism could be described as a social attitude that embodies anti-intellectualism, which is a populist movement, in which exponents claim to champion the common people, and to stand against academic elitism.
Anti-intellectualism has been exploited by totalitarian governments, such as Hitler's Nazi regime in Germany, during which books were publicly burned, and ordinary people were discouraged from the pursuit of intellectualism. The rationale behind this was to prevent the formation of any kind of movement which might ultimately lead to a revolt against the government.
Who Are Philistines?
Philistines are smugly dismissive of the arts, philosophy and science. They take pride in their ignorance of such disciplines, often preferring to surround themselves with material goods and superficial entertainment instead.
Philistines will often indulge in conspicuous consumption, which can be loosely defined as the pursuit of acquiring material possessions in an effort to achieve status within society. Philistines will actively shun the pursuit of abstract knowledge or understanding that might give their lives deeper meaning.
As an example, the British reality television series, 'The Only Way Is Essex', has a cast who could probably all be described as philistines!
What Is Philistinism?
Philistinism could be described as a social attitude that embodies anti-intellectualism, which is a populist movement, in which exponents claim to champion the common people, and to stand against academic elitism.
Anti-intellectualism has been exploited by totalitarian governments, such as Hitler's Nazi regime in Germany, during which books were publicly burned, and ordinary people were discouraged from the pursuit of intellectualism. The rationale behind this was to prevent the formation of any kind of movement which might ultimately lead to a revolt against the government.
Who Are Philistines?
Philistines are smugly dismissive of the arts, philosophy and science. They take pride in their ignorance of such disciplines, often preferring to surround themselves with material goods and superficial entertainment instead.
Philistines will often indulge in conspicuous consumption, which can be loosely defined as the pursuit of acquiring material possessions in an effort to achieve status within society. Philistines will actively shun the pursuit of abstract knowledge or understanding that might give their lives deeper meaning.
As an example, the British reality television series, 'The Only Way Is Essex', has a cast who could probably all be described as philistines!
