democritus
Definition
- Proper noun:
- Ancient Greek philosopher: Democritus was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher from Abdera, Thrace. He is most famous for formulating an early atomic theory of the universe, proposing that all matter is composed of indivisible particles called "atoms" (from the Greek atomos, meaning "uncuttable").
Usage Examples
- Proper noun:
- Democritus is often called the "Laughing Philosopher" due to his emphasis on cheerfulness.
- The atomic theory proposed by Democritus was a significant departure from the continuous matter theories of his predecessors.
- Along with his teacher Leucippus, Democritus is considered the founder of ancient atomism.
Advanced Usage
- "Democritean" (adjective): Pertaining to the philosophy or atomic theory of Democritus.
- His argument had a distinctly Democritean flavor, focusing on material causes and void.
Variants and Related Words
- Atomism (n): The philosophical theory, developed by Democritus and Leucippus, that physical reality is composed of simple, indivisible particles (atoms) moving in empty space (void).
- Epicurean philosophy later adapted the principles of atomism.
- Materialism (n): A philosophical doctrine that matter is the fundamental substance in nature. Democritus's atomism is a form of ancient materialism.
- Democritus's system is a classic example of early philosophical materialism.
Synonyms
- Philosopher: A person engaged in the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics.
- Atomist: Specifically, a proponent of atomic theory.
Related Concepts
- Void (Kenon): In Democritus's system, the empty space in which atoms move.
- Democritus argued that both atoms and the void are real.
- Mechanism: The view that natural processes are mechanically determined by the laws of motion governing atoms. Democritus's philosophy is often described as mechanistic.
- His worldview was thoroughly mechanistic, attributing all phenomena to atomic collisions.
Noun
-
Greek philosopher who developed an atomistic theory of matter (460-370 BC)
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