Richard Sorabji
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199256600
- eISBN:
- 9780191712609
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199256600.003.0016
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
The ancients offered a huge range of therapeutic exercises. Some ward off future emotion, some deal with emotion that has already arisen from a past occurrence. Chrysippus' emphasis on re-evaluating ...
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The ancients offered a huge range of therapeutic exercises. Some ward off future emotion, some deal with emotion that has already arisen from a past occurrence. Chrysippus' emphasis on re-evaluating situations is a therapy for emotions, whereas Posidonius' reversion to Plato would have helped with moods as well. Pythagoreans, Democritus, Epicureans, Cynics, Aristo of Ceos (Aristotelian), Plutarch, and Galen all make contributions. The poet Ovid parodies the philosophers' therapies. All this is echoed in Christianity, but the Stoics are outstanding, Epictetus the ex-slave sterner, Seneca the aristocrat more adapted to ordinary discomforts. In recent times, Epictetus enabled Admiral Stockdale to withstand torture and solitary confinement, and his account shows how even the sterner therapies could work in practice.Less
The ancients offered a huge range of therapeutic exercises. Some ward off future emotion, some deal with emotion that has already arisen from a past occurrence. Chrysippus' emphasis on re-evaluating situations is a therapy for emotions, whereas Posidonius' reversion to Plato would have helped with moods as well. Pythagoreans, Democritus, Epicureans, Cynics, Aristo of Ceos (Aristotelian), Plutarch, and Galen all make contributions. The poet Ovid parodies the philosophers' therapies. All this is echoed in Christianity, but the Stoics are outstanding, Epictetus the ex-slave sterner, Seneca the aristocrat more adapted to ordinary discomforts. In recent times, Epictetus enabled Admiral Stockdale to withstand torture and solitary confinement, and his account shows how even the sterner therapies could work in practice.
Catherine Wilson
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199238811
- eISBN:
- 9780191716492
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238811.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
The ancient atomists, beginning with Democritus, maintained that there existed only atoms, endowed with a power of motion, and void, and that sensory qualities such as colors and scents had no ...
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The ancient atomists, beginning with Democritus, maintained that there existed only atoms, endowed with a power of motion, and void, and that sensory qualities such as colors and scents had no independent reality. This position was heavily criticized by Plato and Aristotle, the former maintaining the reality of forms and denying the full reality of matter; the latter criticizing the hypothesis of indivisible particles and defending the complementarity and necessary co-existence of matter and form. The positive reception of the ‘corpuscularian’ or mechanical philosophy amongst the experimental philosophers of the English Royal Society is discussed, and the question is raised why a metaphysical system making reference to unobservable particles should have been so warmly received by naturalists who placed so much emphasis on communal witnessing.Less
The ancient atomists, beginning with Democritus, maintained that there existed only atoms, endowed with a power of motion, and void, and that sensory qualities such as colors and scents had no independent reality. This position was heavily criticized by Plato and Aristotle, the former maintaining the reality of forms and denying the full reality of matter; the latter criticizing the hypothesis of indivisible particles and defending the complementarity and necessary co-existence of matter and form. The positive reception of the ‘corpuscularian’ or mechanical philosophy amongst the experimental philosophers of the English Royal Society is discussed, and the question is raised why a metaphysical system making reference to unobservable particles should have been so warmly received by naturalists who placed so much emphasis on communal witnessing.
Catherine Osborne
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199282067
- eISBN:
- 9780191712944
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199282067.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
This chapter looks at the idea that some beasts threaten human well being, while others are conducive towards it. The views of Hermarchus on the need to wage war on the undesirable creatures, and to ...
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This chapter looks at the idea that some beasts threaten human well being, while others are conducive towards it. The views of Hermarchus on the need to wage war on the undesirable creatures, and to protect those that are useful are examined, along with his and other ancient attempts to analyse morality as based on rules drawn up on anthropocentric utilitarian lines. This utilitarian account of morality is compared with that of Socrates to indicate why Socrates' claim that it is beneficial to the agent to act morally well is not a utilitarian account, because for Socrates the benefit is explained by the moral goodness, whereas for the Utilitarian the moral goodness is explained by the benefit.Less
This chapter looks at the idea that some beasts threaten human well being, while others are conducive towards it. The views of Hermarchus on the need to wage war on the undesirable creatures, and to protect those that are useful are examined, along with his and other ancient attempts to analyse morality as based on rules drawn up on anthropocentric utilitarian lines. This utilitarian account of morality is compared with that of Socrates to indicate why Socrates' claim that it is beneficial to the agent to act morally well is not a utilitarian account, because for Socrates the benefit is explained by the moral goodness, whereas for the Utilitarian the moral goodness is explained by the benefit.
Jessica N. Berry
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195368420
- eISBN:
- 9780199867479
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195368420.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This chapter takes up the question whether Nietzsche's philosophy ought to be characterized as “therapeutic,” as it so often has been, and investigates both his and the Greek skeptics' relationship ...
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This chapter takes up the question whether Nietzsche's philosophy ought to be characterized as “therapeutic,” as it so often has been, and investigates both his and the Greek skeptics' relationship with “health” as a goal of the philosophic enterprise. It might be objected that the Pyrrhonists' adoption of ataraxia (tranquility) as the ultimate aim of their practice, an aim which has often been linked with indifference, impassivity, and the avoidance of suffering, could not be consistent with any notion of health advanced by Nietzsche. Yet an exploration of the history and etymology of ataraxia—indeed, a genealogy of ataraxia—conducted in light of Nietzsche's longtime interest in the pre-Platonic philosopher Democritus of Abdera illuminates a model of psychological health and well-being that again brings him in line with the Skeptical tradition.Less
This chapter takes up the question whether Nietzsche's philosophy ought to be characterized as “therapeutic,” as it so often has been, and investigates both his and the Greek skeptics' relationship with “health” as a goal of the philosophic enterprise. It might be objected that the Pyrrhonists' adoption of ataraxia (tranquility) as the ultimate aim of their practice, an aim which has often been linked with indifference, impassivity, and the avoidance of suffering, could not be consistent with any notion of health advanced by Nietzsche. Yet an exploration of the history and etymology of ataraxia—indeed, a genealogy of ataraxia—conducted in light of Nietzsche's longtime interest in the pre-Platonic philosopher Democritus of Abdera illuminates a model of psychological health and well-being that again brings him in line with the Skeptical tradition.
Robin Small
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199278077
- eISBN:
- 9780191602702
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199278075.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
Presents the background to the formation of the friendship in 1876, by discussing Nietzsche’s early academic career and first important publications, The Birth of Tragedy and the Untimely ...
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Presents the background to the formation of the friendship in 1876, by discussing Nietzsche’s early academic career and first important publications, The Birth of Tragedy and the Untimely Meditations. In Richard Wagner in Bayreuth, we can see Nietzsche uncomfortable with the standpoint of these works. A sympathy with natural science was always present in his thinking, but it was a growing dissatisfaction with the Wagnerian movement whose spokesman he had become that made him ready for a sharp change of direction, away from metaphysical romanticism towards a positivistic and scientific viewpoint, as well as the ‘cool’, self-disciplined style of writing that he found in Paul Rée’s work.Less
Presents the background to the formation of the friendship in 1876, by discussing Nietzsche’s early academic career and first important publications, The Birth of Tragedy and the Untimely Meditations. In Richard Wagner in Bayreuth, we can see Nietzsche uncomfortable with the standpoint of these works. A sympathy with natural science was always present in his thinking, but it was a growing dissatisfaction with the Wagnerian movement whose spokesman he had become that made him ready for a sharp change of direction, away from metaphysical romanticism towards a positivistic and scientific viewpoint, as well as the ‘cool’, self-disciplined style of writing that he found in Paul Rée’s work.
Monte Ransome Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199285303
- eISBN:
- 9780191603143
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199285306.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
Aristotle articulates his natural teleology in the context of a dialectical engagement with his predecessors, identifying each of them with a salient causal factor: Empedocles (luck or chance), ...
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Aristotle articulates his natural teleology in the context of a dialectical engagement with his predecessors, identifying each of them with a salient causal factor: Empedocles (luck or chance), Democritus (necessity or spontaneity), Anaxagoras (intelligence or mind), and Plato (art and form). Aristotle tries to co-opt each of these factors into his naturalistic teleology by an a fortiori argument: to the extent that luck, necessity, intelligence, or art is a cause, nature must even more so be considered a cause. For luck is an incidental cause of that which nature is an intrinsic cause, necessity is a conjoint cause of that which nature is a leading cause, and art imitates nature.Less
Aristotle articulates his natural teleology in the context of a dialectical engagement with his predecessors, identifying each of them with a salient causal factor: Empedocles (luck or chance), Democritus (necessity or spontaneity), Anaxagoras (intelligence or mind), and Plato (art and form). Aristotle tries to co-opt each of these factors into his naturalistic teleology by an a fortiori argument: to the extent that luck, necessity, intelligence, or art is a cause, nature must even more so be considered a cause. For luck is an incidental cause of that which nature is an intrinsic cause, necessity is a conjoint cause of that which nature is a leading cause, and art imitates nature.
Wallace Matson
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199812691
- eISBN:
- 9780199919420
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199812691.003.0012
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
Atomism was worked out less than two hundred years after the beginning of science. It was not a lucky guess but a consequence of previous investigations. Democritus realized that the basic stuff need ...
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Atomism was worked out less than two hundred years after the beginning of science. It was not a lucky guess but a consequence of previous investigations. Democritus realized that the basic stuff need not-indeed, could not–have objectively color, heat, cold, wetness, dryness, taste, and smell, for these are not properties but events that happen when an object and a perceiver interact. The atoms have only the properties conserved through change: shape, size, and weight; and they are in motion from eternity. They can join to make large, visible objects. Their motions are the determinate consequences of the collisions that they have undergone. Epicurus adopted atomism to justify rejection of superstition, modifying the Democritean principles to allow for a “swerve” of atoms, which transformed the science into one which (so he wrongly thought) by allowing some wiggle room for atoms made possible Free Will–a major philosophical problem that here became explicit.Less
Atomism was worked out less than two hundred years after the beginning of science. It was not a lucky guess but a consequence of previous investigations. Democritus realized that the basic stuff need not-indeed, could not–have objectively color, heat, cold, wetness, dryness, taste, and smell, for these are not properties but events that happen when an object and a perceiver interact. The atoms have only the properties conserved through change: shape, size, and weight; and they are in motion from eternity. They can join to make large, visible objects. Their motions are the determinate consequences of the collisions that they have undergone. Epicurus adopted atomism to justify rejection of superstition, modifying the Democritean principles to allow for a “swerve” of atoms, which transformed the science into one which (so he wrongly thought) by allowing some wiggle room for atoms made possible Free Will–a major philosophical problem that here became explicit.
J. C. B. Gosling and C. C. W. Taylor
- Published in print:
- 1982
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198246664
- eISBN:
- 9780191681035
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198246664.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter examines the evidence for the development in the pre-Platonic period of explicitly evaluative theories concerning pleasure. It involves firstly consideration of the views of Democritus, ...
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This chapter examines the evidence for the development in the pre-Platonic period of explicitly evaluative theories concerning pleasure. It involves firstly consideration of the views of Democritus, and secondly an attempt to discover what can be known about the position of Socrates, and finally that of Aristippus.Less
This chapter examines the evidence for the development in the pre-Platonic period of explicitly evaluative theories concerning pleasure. It involves firstly consideration of the views of Democritus, and secondly an attempt to discover what can be known about the position of Socrates, and finally that of Aristippus.
Richard Bett
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199256617
- eISBN:
- 9780191698323
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199256617.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
Pyrrho's philosophical affiliations and antecedents are far from clear and a bewildering variety of claims has been made on the topic, in both ancient and modern times. In the ancient period, these ...
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Pyrrho's philosophical affiliations and antecedents are far from clear and a bewildering variety of claims has been made on the topic, in both ancient and modern times. In the ancient period, these frequently take the form of locating Pyrrho in a certain ‘succession’ of philosophers — that is, a chronological sequence of philosophers, each member of which is alleged to have been the teacher of the next member. Such ‘succession’ stories deserve consideration. More clearly worthy of serious attention are the verdicts on other philosophers offered by Timon in his poem Silloi, ‘Lampoons’. This chapter casts doubt on a number of such claims of influence — claims that have received a large measure of acceptance in the literature on Pyrrho. It discusses the indeterminacy thesis, Pyrrho's predecessors such as Plato and Aristotle, Xenophanes, Protagoras, Democritus, Anaxarchus, and the megarians and the Indians.Less
Pyrrho's philosophical affiliations and antecedents are far from clear and a bewildering variety of claims has been made on the topic, in both ancient and modern times. In the ancient period, these frequently take the form of locating Pyrrho in a certain ‘succession’ of philosophers — that is, a chronological sequence of philosophers, each member of which is alleged to have been the teacher of the next member. Such ‘succession’ stories deserve consideration. More clearly worthy of serious attention are the verdicts on other philosophers offered by Timon in his poem Silloi, ‘Lampoons’. This chapter casts doubt on a number of such claims of influence — claims that have received a large measure of acceptance in the literature on Pyrrho. It discusses the indeterminacy thesis, Pyrrho's predecessors such as Plato and Aristotle, Xenophanes, Protagoras, Democritus, Anaxarchus, and the megarians and the Indians.
J. T. Vallance
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198242482
- eISBN:
- 9780191680489
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198242482.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
It was suggested that terms such as corpuscula and so on refer to the same fragile particles. This chapter argues that the fragility of Asclepiades’ corpuscles was something which set them apart from ...
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It was suggested that terms such as corpuscula and so on refer to the same fragile particles. This chapter argues that the fragility of Asclepiades’ corpuscles was something which set them apart from the indivisible atoms of Democritus and Epicurus. In the best modern account, Harig argues that Asclepiades was indeed a void theorist and by this time in antiquity, void came in many guises, often in highly sophisticated forms. In fact, calling them all ‘void’ is rather misleading, especially given the degree of involvement of prominent void antagonists in the debate. On the other hand, this kind of void is physically passive and has no power, but it gives the atoms their crucial room to move and Epicurus positively affirmed its existence.Less
It was suggested that terms such as corpuscula and so on refer to the same fragile particles. This chapter argues that the fragility of Asclepiades’ corpuscles was something which set them apart from the indivisible atoms of Democritus and Epicurus. In the best modern account, Harig argues that Asclepiades was indeed a void theorist and by this time in antiquity, void came in many guises, often in highly sophisticated forms. In fact, calling them all ‘void’ is rather misleading, especially given the degree of involvement of prominent void antagonists in the debate. On the other hand, this kind of void is physically passive and has no power, but it gives the atoms their crucial room to move and Epicurus positively affirmed its existence.
TERENCE IRWIN
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198242673
- eISBN:
- 9780191680519
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198242673.003.0011
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, History of Philosophy
Epicurus' theoretical and practical aims seem impressively unified. He defends the atomism of Democritus and argues that Democritean hedonism fits this ...
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Epicurus' theoretical and practical aims seem impressively unified. He defends the atomism of Democritus and argues that Democritean hedonism fits this general view of the world. On the one hand, the empiricist epistemology that supports atomism also supports hedonism. On the other hand, the atomist view of the world, with its denial of life after death, secures peace of mind and freedom from anxiety, and so ought to be adopted on hedonist grounds. Closer inspection, however, shows that some of Epicurus' leading aims are not derived from Democritus, and that some questions can be raised about whether they fit his defence of atomism. Epicurus believes that reliance on the senses justifies a non-sceptical conclusion about the external world and acceptance of the atomic theory; we do not need to abandon empiricism for rationalism in order to accept atomism. Not everything worth considering in his ethical outlook depends on his theory of the good. His views about pleasure, freedom, virtue, and friendship include reasonable elements that do not depend on his hedonism.Less
Epicurus' theoretical and practical aims seem impressively unified. He defends the atomism of Democritus and argues that Democritean hedonism fits this general view of the world. On the one hand, the empiricist epistemology that supports atomism also supports hedonism. On the other hand, the atomist view of the world, with its denial of life after death, secures peace of mind and freedom from anxiety, and so ought to be adopted on hedonist grounds. Closer inspection, however, shows that some of Epicurus' leading aims are not derived from Democritus, and that some questions can be raised about whether they fit his defence of atomism. Epicurus believes that reliance on the senses justifies a non-sceptical conclusion about the external world and acceptance of the atomic theory; we do not need to abandon empiricism for rationalism in order to accept atomism. Not everything worth considering in his ethical outlook depends on his theory of the good. His views about pleasure, freedom, virtue, and friendship include reasonable elements that do not depend on his hedonism.
Colin McGinn
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199267606
- eISBN:
- 9780191601798
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019926760X.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
Physical atomism, as proposed by Democritus, was a speculative theory, without much empirical support or explanatory success, which much later received serious confirmation. Comparisons are drawn ...
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Physical atomism, as proposed by Democritus, was a speculative theory, without much empirical support or explanatory success, which much later received serious confirmation. Comparisons are drawn between some ancient Greek responses to puzzling phenomena and modern reductionist responses to the mind-body problem. It is conjectured that atomism with regard to the mental is true in advance of there being any particular evidence for it. According to this theory, conscious states consist of unobserved underlying states, which combine to produce the states that we do observe. If such a theory could be produced, it is argued that it might contribute to a solution to the mind-body problem.Less
Physical atomism, as proposed by Democritus, was a speculative theory, without much empirical support or explanatory success, which much later received serious confirmation. Comparisons are drawn between some ancient Greek responses to puzzling phenomena and modern reductionist responses to the mind-body problem. It is conjectured that atomism with regard to the mental is true in advance of there being any particular evidence for it. According to this theory, conscious states consist of unobserved underlying states, which combine to produce the states that we do observe. If such a theory could be produced, it is argued that it might contribute to a solution to the mind-body problem.
Jonathan Bennett
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198250913
- eISBN:
- 9780191597053
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198250916.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
Descartes's physics is set against the mainly Aristotelian ideas that preceded it, emphasizing six differences, three of which are the following. Aristotle's physics has many basic kinds of things, ...
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Descartes's physics is set against the mainly Aristotelian ideas that preceded it, emphasizing six differences, three of which are the following. Aristotle's physics has many basic kinds of things, while Descartes's has only one—matter—with all variety coming from differences of movement and structure of that one. They also differ in how they view many basic laws they entertain. Teleology is central to Aristotelian physics and banished from Descartes's. Descartes's physics is compared with Democritean atomism.Less
Descartes's physics is set against the mainly Aristotelian ideas that preceded it, emphasizing six differences, three of which are the following. Aristotle's physics has many basic kinds of things, while Descartes's has only one—matter—with all variety coming from differences of movement and structure of that one. They also differ in how they view many basic laws they entertain. Teleology is central to Aristotelian physics and banished from Descartes's. Descartes's physics is compared with Democritean atomism.
R. J. Hankinson
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199246564
- eISBN:
- 9780191597572
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199246564.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
In this chapter, Hankinson discusses the theory of Atomism, from Leucippus and Democritus to Epicurus and his followers. The early Atomists were concerned with the circumvention of the Eleatic denial ...
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In this chapter, Hankinson discusses the theory of Atomism, from Leucippus and Democritus to Epicurus and his followers. The early Atomists were concerned with the circumvention of the Eleatic denial of motion; they did so by positing unchanging atoms and the existence of the void in which the atoms move. Democritean Atomism is thoroughly mechanistic and reductionist; Epicurean Atomism is ontologically more generous, accepting, for instance, the reality of properties and guaranteeing, by virtue of the controversial notion of the ‘swerve’, the exercise of free will. Thus, although strictly speaking it denies uncaused events, Epicureanism nevertheless holds that human action is not subject to determinism. The later Epicureans also reject the Stoic view that fundamental physical principles are logically necessary truths.Less
In this chapter, Hankinson discusses the theory of Atomism, from Leucippus and Democritus to Epicurus and his followers. The early Atomists were concerned with the circumvention of the Eleatic denial of motion; they did so by positing unchanging atoms and the existence of the void in which the atoms move. Democritean Atomism is thoroughly mechanistic and reductionist; Epicurean Atomism is ontologically more generous, accepting, for instance, the reality of properties and guaranteeing, by virtue of the controversial notion of the ‘swerve’, the exercise of free will. Thus, although strictly speaking it denies uncaused events, Epicureanism nevertheless holds that human action is not subject to determinism. The later Epicureans also reject the Stoic view that fundamental physical principles are logically necessary truths.
CARLO CERCIGNANI
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198570646
- eISBN:
- 9780191717949
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570646.003.0003
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
The first atomic theory is credited to Democritus of Abdera, who lived in the 5th century BC. The actual development of the kinetic theory of gases accordingly took place much later, in the 19th ...
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The first atomic theory is credited to Democritus of Abdera, who lived in the 5th century BC. The actual development of the kinetic theory of gases accordingly took place much later, in the 19th century. With his transfer equations, James Clerk Maxwell had come very close to an evolution equation for the distribution function, but this last step must beyond any doubt be credited to Ludwig Boltzmann. The equation under consideration is usually called the Boltzmann equation, but sometimes the Maxwell-Boltzmann equation. Rudolf Clausius took kinetic theory to a mature stage with the explicit recognition that thermal energy is but the kinetic energy of the random motion of the molecules and the explanation of the first law of thermodynamics in kinetic terms. In any case there remained the important unsolved problem of deducing the second law of thermodynamics, the basis of the modern idea of irreversibility in physical processes.Less
The first atomic theory is credited to Democritus of Abdera, who lived in the 5th century BC. The actual development of the kinetic theory of gases accordingly took place much later, in the 19th century. With his transfer equations, James Clerk Maxwell had come very close to an evolution equation for the distribution function, but this last step must beyond any doubt be credited to Ludwig Boltzmann. The equation under consideration is usually called the Boltzmann equation, but sometimes the Maxwell-Boltzmann equation. Rudolf Clausius took kinetic theory to a mature stage with the explicit recognition that thermal energy is but the kinetic energy of the random motion of the molecules and the explanation of the first law of thermodynamics in kinetic terms. In any case there remained the important unsolved problem of deducing the second law of thermodynamics, the basis of the modern idea of irreversibility in physical processes.
C. Anne Wilson
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198152484
- eISBN:
- 9780191710049
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198152484.003.0017
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
A large collection of chemical recipe texts dating from the end of the first century BC to the Byzantine period appear to describe actual chemical experiments and reactions carried out in ancient ...
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A large collection of chemical recipe texts dating from the end of the first century BC to the Byzantine period appear to describe actual chemical experiments and reactions carried out in ancient Greece with the object of transforming the outward appearance of copper first to silver, then to gold. However, the gold was not a realistic imitation designed to deceive the unwary, like the adulterated or imitation gold and silver of the recipes in the Egyptian goldsmiths' notebooks of the third century AD. To determine the experimenters' real aims, this chapter examines the experiments' theoretical background as well as the role of distillation (evaporation of liquids and collection of the recondensed vapour) and sublimation (the heating of minerals within a sealed vessel to release gases which can react with other substances placed in the vessel). It argues that metalworkers already skilled in those technologies were among the founders of the chemical art, and discusses the significance of Democritus to them.Less
A large collection of chemical recipe texts dating from the end of the first century BC to the Byzantine period appear to describe actual chemical experiments and reactions carried out in ancient Greece with the object of transforming the outward appearance of copper first to silver, then to gold. However, the gold was not a realistic imitation designed to deceive the unwary, like the adulterated or imitation gold and silver of the recipes in the Egyptian goldsmiths' notebooks of the third century AD. To determine the experimenters' real aims, this chapter examines the experiments' theoretical background as well as the role of distillation (evaporation of liquids and collection of the recondensed vapour) and sublimation (the heating of minerals within a sealed vessel to release gases which can react with other substances placed in the vessel). It argues that metalworkers already skilled in those technologies were among the founders of the chemical art, and discusses the significance of Democritus to them.
Eleni Kechagia
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199597239
- eISBN:
- 9780191731495
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199597239.003.0007
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This chapter examines in detail Plutarch's arguments in response to Colotes' criticism of the well-known Democritean thesis that everything other than atoms and the void is what it is ‘by ...
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This chapter examines in detail Plutarch's arguments in response to Colotes' criticism of the well-known Democritean thesis that everything other than atoms and the void is what it is ‘by convention’. Colotes took Democritus' thesis to imply eliminitativism and claimed that such a philosophical view makes life impossible to live. Whilst acknowledging that Democritus' thesis leads to absurd consequences, Plutarch still turns the tables on Colotes: he convincingly argues that, despite its attempt to diverge from Democritus' materialist ontology by highlighting the objective reality of sensible qualities, Epicurean atomism ultimately fails to give the explanations necessary to escape the eliminativist corollaries of the atomic theory. Plutarch provides an insightful critique of atomism and highlights the atomists' general difficulty to conjure up a wholly new being out of material, unaffected, and qualityless primary entities.Less
This chapter examines in detail Plutarch's arguments in response to Colotes' criticism of the well-known Democritean thesis that everything other than atoms and the void is what it is ‘by convention’. Colotes took Democritus' thesis to imply eliminitativism and claimed that such a philosophical view makes life impossible to live. Whilst acknowledging that Democritus' thesis leads to absurd consequences, Plutarch still turns the tables on Colotes: he convincingly argues that, despite its attempt to diverge from Democritus' materialist ontology by highlighting the objective reality of sensible qualities, Epicurean atomism ultimately fails to give the explanations necessary to escape the eliminativist corollaries of the atomic theory. Plutarch provides an insightful critique of atomism and highlights the atomists' general difficulty to conjure up a wholly new being out of material, unaffected, and qualityless primary entities.
Mi-Kyoung Lee
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199556151
- eISBN:
- 9780191725548
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199556151.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
This chapter argues that the primary–secondary quality distinction can be found in ancient Greek philosophers in the form of two distinctions, one between the intrinsic qualities of basic matter and ...
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This chapter argues that the primary–secondary quality distinction can be found in ancient Greek philosophers in the form of two distinctions, one between the intrinsic qualities of basic matter and the derivative qualities of composites, and another between appearance and reality. The first ancient Greek thinkers to consider the place of sensible qualities such as colors and smells in the natural world were Plato and Democritus. Both draw a kind of distinction between the intrinsic qualities of basic matter and the non-intrinsic qualities of composites and aggregates. Aristotle offers his own version of this kind of distinction, emphasizing that sensible qualities have causal efficacy in their powers to affect perceivers in certain ways. Epicurus went even further in arguing that sensible qualities are relational powers, and like relational powers are real properties of things, not to be dismissed as merely subjective appearances.Less
This chapter argues that the primary–secondary quality distinction can be found in ancient Greek philosophers in the form of two distinctions, one between the intrinsic qualities of basic matter and the derivative qualities of composites, and another between appearance and reality. The first ancient Greek thinkers to consider the place of sensible qualities such as colors and smells in the natural world were Plato and Democritus. Both draw a kind of distinction between the intrinsic qualities of basic matter and the non-intrinsic qualities of composites and aggregates. Aristotle offers his own version of this kind of distinction, emphasizing that sensible qualities have causal efficacy in their powers to affect perceivers in certain ways. Epicurus went even further in arguing that sensible qualities are relational powers, and like relational powers are real properties of things, not to be dismissed as merely subjective appearances.
Nicholas Mee
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198831860
- eISBN:
- 9780191869785
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198831860.003.0006
- Subject:
- Physics, Particle Physics / Astrophysics / Cosmology, History of Physics
The concept of the atom dates back to the speculations of Democritus and other Ancient Greek philosophers, but it was only in modern times that atoms were shown to exist and physicists began to ...
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The concept of the atom dates back to the speculations of Democritus and other Ancient Greek philosophers, but it was only in modern times that atoms were shown to exist and physicists began to investigate their structure. Rutherford’s team in Manchester discovered the atomic nucleus and Rutherford proposed that atoms consist of a tiny positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged orbiting electrons. Rutherford and his colleagues went on to discover the nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons. It is now possible to produce pictures of atoms using the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) invented by Binnig and Rohrer.Less
The concept of the atom dates back to the speculations of Democritus and other Ancient Greek philosophers, but it was only in modern times that atoms were shown to exist and physicists began to investigate their structure. Rutherford’s team in Manchester discovered the atomic nucleus and Rutherford proposed that atoms consist of a tiny positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged orbiting electrons. Rutherford and his colleagues went on to discover the nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons. It is now possible to produce pictures of atoms using the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) invented by Binnig and Rohrer.
Victor Caston (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198805762
- eISBN:
- 9780191843679
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198805762.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy provides, twice each year, a collection of the best current work in the field of ancient philosophy. Each volume features original essays that contribute to an ...
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Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy provides, twice each year, a collection of the best current work in the field of ancient philosophy. Each volume features original essays that contribute to an understanding of a wide range of themes and problems in all periods of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, from its beginnings to the threshold of the Middle Ages. From its first volume in 1983, OSAP has been a highly influential venue for work in the field, and has often featured essays of substantial length as well as critical essays on books of distinctive importance. Volume LII contains an article on Anaxagoras’ theory of the intellect, another on Presocratic epistemology and stage-painting, one on Plato’s Euthyphro and another on his Parmenides, one on the varieties of pleasure in Plato and Aristotle, and three on Aristotle: his views on the analysis of arguments, theory of measurement, and the coincidental causes of actions.Less
Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy provides, twice each year, a collection of the best current work in the field of ancient philosophy. Each volume features original essays that contribute to an understanding of a wide range of themes and problems in all periods of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, from its beginnings to the threshold of the Middle Ages. From its first volume in 1983, OSAP has been a highly influential venue for work in the field, and has often featured essays of substantial length as well as critical essays on books of distinctive importance. Volume LII contains an article on Anaxagoras’ theory of the intellect, another on Presocratic epistemology and stage-painting, one on Plato’s Euthyphro and another on his Parmenides, one on the varieties of pleasure in Plato and Aristotle, and three on Aristotle: his views on the analysis of arguments, theory of measurement, and the coincidental causes of actions.
