Single Idea 1533

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / g. Atomism]

Full Idea

They thought that truth lay in appearances, which they appreciated are contradictory and infinite, so they made the shapes of atoms infinite. Thus the infinite changes in compounds create the infinitely varies appearances.

Gist of Idea

Because appearance is infinitely varied, atomists assume infinitely many shapes of atom

Source

report of Democritus (fragments/reports [c.431 BCE], A009) by Aristotle - Coming-to-be and Passing-away (Gen/Corr) 315b9

Book Reference

'The First Philosophers', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 2000], p.182