atomism
/'ætəmizm/
Definition
- Noun:
- A physical theory: In chemistry and physics, atomism is any theory proposing that all matter is composed of tiny, discrete, finite, indivisible, and indestructible particles called atoms.
- A psychological theory: In psychology, atomism is a theory that reduces all complex mental phenomena (like thoughts and ideas) to simple, basic elements (such as sensations and feelings) that combine through association.
Examples of Usage
Noun (Physical Theory):
- The development of modern chemistry was heavily influenced by the principles of atomism.
- Democritus is often credited as a founder of philosophical atomism.
Noun (Psychological Theory):
- Early experimental psychology was characterized by a form of atomism, seeking to break down consciousness into its fundamental components.
- His approach to analyzing perception was criticized for its reliance on atomism.
Advanced Usage
- "Reductive atomism": This phrase emphasizes the aspect of the theory that explains complex wholes entirely by reducing them to their simplest constituent parts.
- The debate centered on whether a reductive atomism could ever fully explain the nature of consciousness.
Variants and Related Words
Atomistic (adj): Pertaining to or based on the principles of atomism.
- He held an atomistic view of society, seeing it as merely a collection of individuals.
Atomist (n): A proponent or adherent of atomism.
- The atomists of the 19th century provided evidence for their theory through experimental work.
Synonyms
- Atomic theory (for the physical sense).
- Reductionism (for the general methodological approach of breaking down complex systems into simpler parts, closely related to psychological atomism).
Related Phrases
- "Atomism in social science": An analytical approach that interprets social systems as aggregates of their individual members.
- Methodological individualism in economics is a form of social atomism.
Noun
-
(chemistry) any theory in which all matter is composed of tiny discrete finite indivisible indestructible particles
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the ancient Greek philosophers Democritus and Epicurus held atomic theories of the universe
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(psychology) a theory that reduces all mental phenomena to simple elements (sensations and feelings) that form complex ideas by association
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