Single Idea 20892

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / g. Causal explanations]

Full Idea

Democritus himself, as they say, stated that he would rather discover a single causal explanation [aitiologia] than become the King of the Persians.

Gist of Idea

Democritus was devoted to discovering causal explanations

Source

report of Democritus (fragments/reports [c.431 BCE], B118) by Eusebius - Preparation for the Gospel 14.27.4

Book Reference

Democritus: 'Early Greek Phil VII: Democritus', ed/tr. Laks,A/Most,G [Harvard Loeb 2016], p.43


A Reaction

Democritus seems to be clearly the father of the physical sciences, because he focused single-mindedly on physical and causal explanations. David Lewis says all explanations are causal.