ATOMISM

Atomism is the philosophical doctrine that reality consists of indivisible particles (atoms) moving through empty space (void). Ancient atomists Leucippus and Democritus proposed that everything comprises atoms differing only in shape, size, arrangement, and motion.

Originated in ancient Greece with Leucippus and Democritus (c. 460-370 BCE) as response to Parmenides. Epicurus adapted atomism. Lucretius preserved atomism.

Leucippus, Democritus, Epicurus, Lucretius, Pierre Gassendi, John Dalton.

Reality consists of atoms and void. Atoms are indivisible, eternal, infinite. All change from atomic rearrangement. Mechanistic explanation.

Anticipated modern atomic theory. Influenced Enlightenment materialism. Shaped early modern scientific worldview.