more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 12728

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

Full Idea

Leibniz held that there can be no atoms in nature, nothing perfectly solid and hard, since elasticity entails the existence of smaller parts that can move with respect to one another.

Gist of Idea

Leibniz rejected atoms, because they must be elastic, and hence have parts

Source

report of Gottfried Leibniz (works [1690]) by Daniel Garber - Leibniz:Body,Substance,Monad 5

Book Reference

Garber,Daniel: 'Leibniz: Body, Substance, Monad' [OUP 2009], p.200


A Reaction

Thus, I suppose, we discover that atoms have mercurial electron shells. Are quarks or electrons elastic? The debate about true atoms is not over, and probably never will be. Leibniz's point is a good one.

Related Idea

Idea 15955 I think the corpuscular theory, rather than forms or qualities, best explains particular phenomena [Leibniz]