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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 Ref
Heisenberg,Werner: 'Physics and Philosophy' [Penguin 1989], p.57
A Reaction
Heisenberg is quite consciously endorsing hylomorphism here, with a Pythagorean twist to it.
| 16095 | Some forms, such as the Prime Mover, are held by Aristotle to exist without matter [Aristotle, by Gill,ML] |
| 15853 | A true substance is constituted by some nature, which is a principle [Aristotle] |
| 16640 | Form is the principle that connects a thing's constitution (rather than being operative) [Hill,N] |
| 16761 | Forms are of no value in physics, but are indispensable in metaphysics [Leibniz] |
| 17544 | Basic particles have a mathematical form, which is more important than their substance [Heisenberg] |
| 15956 | The peripatetics treated forms and real qualities as independent of matter, and non-material [Alexander,P] |
| 15128 | We can treat the structure/form of the world differently from the nodes/matter of the world [Hawthorne] |
| 16612 | Hylomorphism may not be a rival to science, but an abstract account of unity and endurance [Pasnau] |