more from Democritus

Single Idea 1527

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

Full Idea

If everything is infinitely divided, what survives the divisions? Alternatively, division would end at points with no magnitude, in which case bodies are composed of nothing. This is the argument claiming there are atoms of some magnitude.

Gist of Idea

There must be atoms, to avoid the absurdity of infinite division down to nothing

Source

report of Democritus (fragments/reports [c.431 BCE], A048b) by Aristotle - Coming-to-be and Passing-away (Gen/Corr) 316a14-

Book Reference

'The First Philosophers', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 2000], p.175