QUESTION: Compare and contrast the philosophical theories of
Democritus and Epicurus on the atomic theory.

Atomic theory is a scientific theory of the nature of matter, which states that matter is composed of discrete units called atoms. Here we will see the views of what makes up atoms, two great philosophers, compare, and contrast their views on the atomic theory and what it is.
Let us first look at one of the greatest ancient philosopher of atomism, Democritus, also known as the laughing philosopher 460 – 370 BC. Democritus stated that all matter is made of units that move around in a void. The purpose of this void is for atoms to change motion from place to place through the void moving in a senseless motion colliding with each other. He also stated that the void had an equal right with reality, is to considered existent. He conceived of the void as a vacuum, an infinite space in which moved an infinite number of atoms that make up the physical world. The combinations of atomic formed by creation growth and destruction. These atoms are absolutely small that their size cannot be seen by the senses. Democritus had that the view that all matter being atoms, he believed persons saw changes in things because of the rearrangement of atoms and earth, fire, air and water were also atoms. Although these matters are made up of the same matter, they differ in shape, size, position and arrangement; they are even indivisible, completely solid, unchangeable, and indestructible and weigh no weight. These ever moving atoms have no qualities but position and the common stuffs and qualities of our senses are apperances of the various shapes and combination of atoms. Thus, white things have surfaces made of smooth atoms and sour tastes results from contact with neddle-like atoms. The movement of atoms consisted, on the finest and most perfectly spherical atoms, since these atoms were so fine they were able to penetrate through the mind and soul to cause movement. On a philosophic point of view, Democritus viewed the atomic theory as thoroughly materialistic. Democritus, was a man that did not rely completely on senses, he was thoroughly deterministic and did not allow no religious or mystical causation. He believed that atoms had no choice concerning movements, and whatever, direction it was push it moved. Therefore, there was no place for freewill.

Epicurus had his own view on the atomic theory. He was born 341-270 BCE and was the founder of the Epicurean School. He was in agreement with Democritus, with the universe being unlimited in size, unlimited number of atoms and infinite number of space. He had the view that nothing comes to existence from what does not exist. He was simply trying to say, that each atom has part to play in creation- objects and bodies are conglomeration of atoms. He had also the same view on atoms being different in size, shape, and position, Epicurus added in contrast to Democritus that atoms consists of weight. When it came down to the no freewill, Epicurus went against the view of it, he saw it as the swerve of atoms allows the power of freewill to take place by pressuring human freedom and to break the bonds of fate and determinism. Firstly, Epicurus viewed the atom as travelling in a straight downward position through the void swerving from side to side with a slight change in direction. Without these atoms moving in a swerving pace, there would not be the creation of nature and every atom will fall in a straight down position, through the abyss of space, without a collision and no impact or build up of atoms. Then, nature will create nothing. Epicurus continued to say, that the reason for atoms never falling straight down are based upon the impact in which these atom collides. These atoms collide in such a way, that if they bounce against each other, they just bounce right back off after each collision and this determines there course of action or incidence. Although, these atoms collide with each other at great speed, this still does not weaken their speed force. Epicurus also went against the fact of Democritus when it came down to ‘senses’. He saw the fact that senses is better in determining knowledge and atoms account for the world’s wealth of sensory (all senses are true). He believed that, without our senses how was one able to perceive and pass judgment on the color, taste, smell and feelings of things.

So despite these philosophers has their different views on the atomic theory, we have learnt that all matter is composed of atoms that are too small to be seen, cannot be split into further portions and there is a void that exists within these atoms. Atoms are completely solid, essentially alike with no internal structure and are different in their sizes and shapes.