Single Idea 22613

[catalogued under 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Simples]

Full Idea

Most materialist ontologies of the past postulate that the world ultimately consists of smallest indivisible component parts that persist because they must; they are permanent.

Gist of Idea

Most materialist views postulate smallest indivisible components which are permanent

Source

R.D. Ingthorsson (A Powerful Particulars View of Causation [2021], 2.1)

Book Reference

'Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Time', ed/tr. Callender,Craig [OUP 2013], p.20


A Reaction

Van Inwagen is notable for this view. Ingthorsson says the theory is to explain medium-sized change, while denying that anything comes to be out of nothing. Theology may lurk in the background. Simple persistance won't explain compound persistance.