Materialism doesn't explain anything. Materialism isn't science, nor does it provide any scientific theories or models (in fact even Karl Popper was a dualist).

Materialism doesn't explain anything. Materialism isn't science, nor does it provide any scientific theories or models (in fact even Karl Popper was a dualist). Materilism is a metaphysical belief that paints a philosophical veneer on top of the world, and offers no practical applications whatsoever. No scientific theory loses its validity if one suddenly stops believing in materialism. Materalism is also probably either obviously false (eliminative materialism) or a meaningless tautology (Hempel's dilemma), depending on what specific flavour of materialism you prefer. However the same can perhaps be said about dualism and idealism as well (I'm certain that idealism is false, and less certain about dualism because I know much less about it). The reason why so many westerners believe in materialism today is because scientism has poisoned their minds and they cannot understand the difference between science and philosophy, and they aren't aware of the hidden metaphysical assumptions upon which their worldview rests. However among philosophy departments, there are probably much less materialists today than there were 50 years ago. Personally I think people should ignore the entire materialist/dualist debate, and go read Wittgenstein instead (or Peter Hacker).