Single Idea 23314

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 1. Laws of Nature]

Full Idea

It is clear that Democritus had no idea of laws of nature …for in Greek thought regularity of behaviour is associated with design by an intellect.

Gist of Idea

Greeks explained regularity by intellectual design, not by laws

Source

report of Democritus (fragments/reports [c.431 BCE]) by Michael Frede - A Free Will Intro

Book Reference

Frede,Michael: 'A Free Will' [Univ of California 2011], p.13


A Reaction

Ah. A simple realisation…! Seventeenth century laws of nature offered an explanation of natural order which didn't rely on God. Even though those scientists were all theists.