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Single Idea 21382
[filed under theme 6. Mathematics / A. Nature of Mathematics / 5. The Infinite / k. Infinitesimals
]
Full Idea
Of the small there is no smallest, but always a smaller.
Gist of Idea
Things get smaller without end
Source
Anaxagoras (fragments/reports [c.460 BCE], B03), quoted by Gregory Vlastos - The Physical Theory of Anaxagoras II
Book Ref
Vlastos,Gregory: 'Studies in Greek Phil I: The Presocratics', ed/tr. Graham,D.W [Princeton 1993], p.312
A Reaction
Anaxagoras seems to be speaking of the physical world (and probably writing prior to the emergence of atomism, which could have been a rebellion against he current idea).
The
23 ideas
from 'fragments/reports'
21822
|
Anaxagoras's concept of supreme Mind has a simple First and a multiple One
[Anaxagoras, by Plotinus]
|
17995
|
Basic is the potentially perceptible, then comes the contrary qualities, and finally the 'elements'
[Anaxagoras]
|
20802
|
Snow is not white, and doesn't even appear white, because it is made of black water
[Anaxagoras, by Cicero]
|
22761
|
We reveal unreliability in the senses when we cannot discriminate a slow change of colour
[Anaxagoras, by Sext.Empiricus]
|
13784
|
Mind is self-ruling, pure, ordering and ubiquitous
[Anaxagoras, by Plato]
|
5118
|
Anaxagoras says mind remains pure, and so is not affected by what it changes
[Anaxagoras, by Aristotle]
|
2629
|
Anaxagoras was the first to say that the universe is directed by an intelligence
[Anaxagoras, by Cicero]
|
7488
|
Anaxagoras was the first recorded atheist
[Anaxagoras, by Watson]
|
631
|
For Anaxagoras the Good Mind has no opposite, and causes all movement, for a higher reason
[Anaxagoras, by Aristotle]
|
22727
|
Mind creates the world from a mixture of pure substances
[Anaxagoras, by ]
|
550
|
Anaxagoras said that the number of principles was infinite
[Anaxagoras, by Aristotle]
|
21383
|
The ultimate constituents of reality are the homoeomeries
[Anaxagoras, by Vlastos]
|
13208
|
Anaxagoreans regard the homoeomeries as elements, which compose earth, air, fire and water
[Anaxagoras, by Aristotle]
|
367
|
Anaxagoras says mind produces order and causes everything
[Anaxagoras, by Plato]
|
22726
|
When things were unified, Mind set them in order
[Anaxagoras]
|
5956
|
Anaxagoras was charged with impiety for calling the sun a lump of stone
[Anaxagoras, by Plutarch]
|
18231
|
Anaxagoras said a person would choose to be born to contemplate the ordered heavens
[Anaxagoras]
|
21382
|
Things get smaller without end
[Anaxagoras]
|
21381
|
Germs contain microscopic organs, which become visible as they grow
[Anaxagoras]
|
13256
|
Nous is unlimited, self-ruling and pure; it is the finest thing, with great discernment and strength
[Anaxagoras]
|
480
|
Past, present and future, and the movements of the heavens, were arranged by Mind
[Anaxagoras]
|
481
|
Nothing is created or destroyed; there is only mixing and separation
[Anaxagoras]
|
13257
|
The senses are too feeble to determine the truth
[Anaxagoras]
|