Practice question · Sort into groups
Sort each claim by whether it describes ancient atomism or modern atomic theory.
Groups: Ancient atomism · Modern atomic theory
- Established by experiment and quantitative measurement
- Atoms are conceptually indivisible by definition
- Atoms have internal structure and can be split
- Arrived at a priori, as a response to a metaphysical argument
Hints
- Ask how each theory was arrived at and whether its atoms can be divided.
- The ancient theory answers an argument; the modern one answers evidence.
Show the answer
Ancient atomism: Atoms are conceptually indivisible by definition, Arrived at a priori, as a response to a metaphysical argument
Modern atomic theory: Atoms have internal structure and can be split, Established by experiment and quantitative measurement
Why
The resemblance is real but shallow: ancient atoms are indivisible by definition and posited to answer Parmenides, while modern atoms are divisible and were found experimentally. Calling one an anticipation of the other flatters the ancients.
Practise The Atomists: Leucippus and Democritus
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