Single Idea 17544

[catalogued under 9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 2. Hylomorphism / b. Form as principle]

Full Idea

The smallest parts of matter are not the fundamental Beings, as in the philosophy of Democritus, but are mathematical forms. Here it is quite evident that the form is more important than the substance of which it is the form.

Gist of Idea

Basic particles have a mathematical form, which is more important than their substance

Source

Werner Heisenberg (Physics and Philosophy [1958], 04)

Book Reference

Heisenberg,Werner: 'Physics and Philosophy' [Penguin 1989], p.57


A Reaction

Heisenberg is quite consciously endorsing hylomorphism here, with a Pythagorean twist to it.