Classical Western Philosophy Democritus Philosophy YouTube Lecture Handouts

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Democritus: Materialism, Logical Atomism, Theory of Knowledge, Aesthetics, Classical Western Philosophy

Title: Classical Western Philosophy Democritus

About Democritus

  • Belonged to pre-Socratic philosophy.
  • The Greek meaning of Democritus is β€œchosen by people.”
  • Disciple of Leucippus.
  • Philosophy of Atoms and void.
  • Branches of Philosophy- Ethics, Aesthetics, Epistemology and Metaphysics.
  • Against Sophism.
  • Nature of Knowledge- Mechanism and materialism.

Materialism

  • Materialism = Matter is the sole reality.
  • Nothing except matter exists.
  • Everything is composed of Atoms.
  • Nature of Atoms - physically indivisible and are imperishable.
  • Therefore, atoms are always in motion.

Logical Atomism

  • Nature consists of two Fundamental components; Atom and Void.
  • Atoms are of different shape and size, indestructible, and surrounded by a void.
  • They come together, they collide with each other and form clusters which give rise to various organisms in the world.
Illustration: Logical Atomism

Theory of Knowledge

  • Difference between perception and rational thought.
  • Perception gives us knowledge of the sensible world
  • Thought gives us the knowledge of Being.
  • So, difference between permanent knowledge and transitory knowledge.
  • Difference between subjective and objective knowledge.

Perception

  • Subjective
  • Temporary
  • Changes
  • Particular

Rational Thinking

  • Objective
  • Permanent
  • Fixed
  • Universal

Aesthetics and Ethics

  • Democritus established Aesthetics as a branch of philosophy in the Western study.
  • He wrote a number of literary works, for example; On Poetry, On the beauty of Verses, On Rhythm and Harmony, On Songs, etc.
  • Soul is an aggregate of fiery atoms.
  • Essence of atoms is fire.
  • Present in us all, in everything around us.
  • But most number of fiery atoms present in men.
  • Happiness = gentle movement of Fiery atoms in us.
  • True happiness = True friendship
  • Note: True Happiness concept also discussed on similar lines in Bhagvad Gita.

Questions

According to Democritus, the nature of atoms is

A. Physically Indivisible and Imperishable

B. Physically Divisible and Imperishable

C. Always in Motion

D. Both A and C

Answer: D

Explanation: Nature of Atoms - They are physically indivisible and are imperishable. Everything around us, even we are composed of atoms. Therefore, atoms are always in motion.

✍ Manishika