Single Idea 24059

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / C. Space / 1. Void]

Full Idea

Democritus did not speak correctly in supposing that if the intermediate space became a void, we would see an ant in exact detail if it were up in the heaven. …If the intermediate space became a void, rather nothing would be seen at all.

Gist of Idea

Democritus is wrong: in a void we wouldn't see a distant ant in exact detail

Source

comment on Democritus (fragments/reports [c.431 BCE]) by Aristotle - De Anima 419a15

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'De Anima (on the psuche)', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.34


A Reaction

Depends what you mean by void, but Aristotle is nearer the truth. Is vision clearer in outer space than in our higher atmosphere?