Which of the following best describes the philosophy of materialism?

The philosophy of materialism posits that the physical world is the only reality, asserting that everything that exists is ultimately composed of matter. This perspective maintains that consciousness and mental phenomena arise from physical processes, particularly those occurring in the brain and body. In essence, the mind is viewed as a function or byproduct of the physical body, which is a central tenet of materialism.

This understanding aligns with scientific approaches that seek to explain psychological phenomena through biological and neurological mechanisms, emphasizing that mental states can be understood in terms of physical states. Materialism stands in contrast to dualistic perspectives, which suggest that the mind and body are separate entities. Therefore, the assertion that "only the physical exists and the mind is part of the body" accurately encapsulates the essence of materialism, demonstrating its commitment to a purely physicalist view of existence.