atomism

/'ætəmizm/
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atomism

Atomism explains how tiny particles combine to form all matter.

Definition
  1. 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.
atomism

Atomism explains how tiny particles combine to form all matter.

Noun
  1. (chemistry) any theory in which all matter is composed of tiny discrete finite indivisible indestructible particles
    • the ancient Greek philosophers Democritus and Epicurus held atomic theories of the universe
  2. (psychology) a theory that reduces all mental phenomena to simple elements (sensations and feelings) that form complex ideas by association

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