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https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Democritus
Democritus
World Explanation
Atomism
He is responsible for most of what we know about atomism by developing and defending the main idea of Leucippus
Reality consists of tiny, in-
divisible particles (atoms) that move about in the void.
Atoms emit "effluences" (thin films) that interact with human sensory organs, creating perceptions
Thinking is an atomic process.
Atoms exist in infinite number, always in motion, colliding and combining to form physical objects.
Ethics
Pleasure is valuable only if it contributes to cheerfulness and well-being.
Believed in the existence of gods but viewed them as material beings (combinations of atoms)
Rational thought and self-discipline are essential for achieving a good life.
Emphasized the importance of knowledge and understanding in maintaining inner peace.
Interesting Facts
lived for 100 years
Materialism
Good life as one of moderation and cheerfulness, rather than simple hedonism
"Laughing Philosopher"
Biography
Born: Adgebra, Thrace in 460 BC
Died: 360 BC
His ideas come from pre-Socratic period, but he was a contemporary of Socrates
Overlapped with Plato
Archē
Reality consists of atoms (indivisible particles) moving in the void (empty space).
Atoms: Eternal, indivisible, and differ in size, shape, and position but not in substance.
Void: Not non-being but a container that allows motion and separation.
Sources
Chapter 2 “The Beginnings of Western Philosophy: The Pre-Socratics” pp 32-34, in Evans, C. Stephen, A History of Western Philosophy: From Pre-socratics to Postmodernism, Downers Grove, Illinois, InterVarsity Press, 2018
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Democritus
Berryman, Sylvia. “Democritus (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy).” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 15 August 2004,
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/democritus/
. Accessed 22 November 2024.
moderation
