Talk:Atomism

Geometry and Atoms Section Suggestion
The first sentence of this section makes an assertion that Plato would have objected to the mechanistic materialism of atomism. I'm wondering if there should be a source to back up this assertion or if it should just be stated that he would likely have disagreed. It seems to me that an opinion of what Plato would think is being injected in this instance. Markhampton8 (talk) 18:20, 16 February 2018 (UTC)

Breaking up the article
This article should probably be broken up and linked to separate articles on classical atomism, Indain atomism, Rennaissance/Sci Rev atomism, and the late 19th century debates about atomism.


 * I disagree. It's a long article, but I think it makes sense to have the whole story together.--ragesoss 15:15, 18 December 2005 (UTC)


 * It's long because it contains a bunch of extra stuff. Much of it (esp. Consequences for guiding one's life and Facing reality) sound like someone's philosophy paper rather than an encyclopedia article.  Reorganization and some trimming are in order I think.  &mdash; Laura Scudder &#9742; 15:37, 23 January 2006 (UTC)


 * Yeah, those two sections could probably be removed; I was mainly just defending the historical sections. Of course, you should take my defense of those with a grain of salt as well, since I wrote section from "exile of the atom" to "atomic Renaissance".  In short, trimming good, splitting up bad.--ragesoss 00:59, 24 January 2006 (UTC)


 * Agreed. &mdash; Laura Scudder &#9742; 15:30, 24 January 2006 (UTC)

I also agree. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 137.21.165.37 (talk) 16:47, 7 September 2007 (UTC)

Logical atomism vs. memetics
Is logical atomism related to memetics? Martin


 * Wow! Nice idea.  I like that.  My immediate reaction would be, Yes, logical atomism would be one example of memetics.  But then maybe a logician like Bertrand Russell would say, "Wait a minute, young men, logic supersedes the culture that memetics traces."  Interesting insight.  I will look around for some scholar, perhaps a modern logician, who sees some connection between memetics and logical atomism.  I have to run to a party first, though.! :))). Rednblu 01:28, 27 Aug 2003 (UTC)

Creation vs. Evolution
Is there any reason why Creationism vs. Evolution is in this article? It seems to me to have little relevance to the rest of it.

--LaurenKaplow 22:26, 13 Nov 2004 (UTC)


 * According to the cultural anthropologists and the social anthropologists, one of the earliest secular explanations for how we got here was the 400 BC atomist Democritus who hypothesized the derivation of life from just atoms and void with no divine intervention. In addition, the creationist scholars see the atomists as the ones who started the Evolution vs. creation debate.  Evidently, before Democritus, it was all creationism with divine intervention. And then after Democritus, it was Evolution vs. creationism. If you are interested in looking at the ancient creationist attacks against the secular explanations of atomism, the surviving creationist attacks are all collected in The Atomists: Leucippus and Democritus, C. C. W. Taylor (Translator) (University of Toronto Press 1999) ISBN 0802043909.  Apparently from their writings, the ancient creationists blamed the evolution vs. creationism debate on Democritus and his teacher Leucippus and on no one else. :))  ---Rednblu | Talk 01:05, 14 Nov 2004 (UTC)

So why doesnt the section say that? It seems the current piece is simply a brief overview of the evolution debate --Real World 05:23, 26 July 2005 (UTC)

I removed the section. The link between evolution and atomism is weak and only the first sentence was about atomism at all. That kind of content belongs in a different kind of article. If any disagrees and reverts, I won't change it back, unless consensus is reached. -- Kjkolb 10:39, 25 November 2005 (UTC)


 * You made the right choice; it detracted seriously from the article.--ragesoss 15:16, 18 December 2005 (UTC)

Picture size
I shrunk down both pictures to a more appropriate size. Uriah923 07:37, 25 September 2005 (UTC)

On Aristotle
Is the section on the political implications of Aristotlean ontology really appropriate? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 70.21.68.128 (talk • contribs) 08:12, 23 April 2006   (UTC)

Plato and Epicurus too
Why are there only a few lines on the Timaeus, where Plato spells out his atomistic theory, and extensive discussion of his idea of forms and the Creator/Demiurge?

Most of the discussion of Epicurus could be reduced to a few lines -- the first paragraph would about do it.

And as for Aristotle, a discussion of his reasons for rejecting atomism would be appropriate.

This article needs a lot of work. --SteveMcCluskey 02:20, 3 June 2006 (UTC)

---


 * Curious, I am. Why wouldn't Epicurus's statements of what atomism is be important on a page about "atomism"? --Rednblu 16:36, 4 June 2006 (UTC)

Copyright Violation
In accordance with policy on Copyright violations, I have made a duplicate copy of this page on Talk:Atomism/Temp. Reflecting policy, the page will remain listed for 7 days to allow discussion and resolution of this issue at Copyright_problems/2006_June_3/Articles.

As a first step in resolving this problem, I have removed the passages copied from [www.hindubooks.org/sudheer_birodkar/ india_contribution/physics.html] from the new temporary copy. (Incidentally, the remaining section on Indian atomism is shorter and seems much more coherent).

Any further edits should be made to Talk:Atomism/Temp or they may be lost when the article is restored. --SteveMcCluskey 14:11, 3 June 2006 (UTC)

Other issues to do with philosophy and atomism
At 05:51, 17 October 2006 SteveMcCluskey undit my edits by reverting to the previous version. As no reason has been given for the reversion, and as I think my edits are definite improvements, I have restored them. If someone else decides to again undo my edits, I will not again restore them. It would help if instead some Wikipedians familiar with the subject compared the versions and explained why they prefer one or the other. --Ujm 02:45, 17 October 2006 (UTC)

Vandalism
What's with the incessant vandalism? Note that I am now watching this page ...

—The preceding unsigned comment was added by Strom (talk • contribs) 04:55, 4 November 2006 (UTC)

Connection between Indian atomism and Greek atomism
Hi! I replaced the mention of Pythagora's journey to India, which I think was not really pertinent, with the reference of Democritus journey to India. Benio76 16:13, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

There is no proof that democritus had went to india Hagemaruii (talk) 11:12, 2 February 2023 (UTC)

Modern atomism issues
The article seems to imply that after Boyle atomism was a done deal. This is not so — it remained a controversy amongst emminent scientists up until the early 20th century (e.g. the Boltzmannians vs. the Machians). Even someone as modern as Einstein contributed directly to the debate with his paper on Brownian motion, which was intended to provide logical-perceptual evidence for atomism. Any article on atomism should be able to bring it a bit closer to our present period, as otherwise the reader will get a very skewed version of this bit of the history of science. --24.147.86.187 12:27, 18 June 2007 (UTC)

I agree. To omit figures such as Avogadro, Einstein on Brownian motion, and Jean Perrin (who experimentally confirmed Einstein's Brownian motion theory leading to their receiving the Nobel prize and converting sceptics of atomism such as Ostwald) is unforgivable! The first paragraph of History of chemistry is an example of possible content. I am not an expert though. --Davidc 15:42, 10 October 2007 (UTC)

I have added a sub-section on the 19th century atomic debates. --Mathew Rammer (talk) 14:26, 24 April 2013 (UTC)

WikiProject class rating
This article was automatically assessed because at least one WikiProject had rated the article as start, and the rating on other projects was brought up to start class. BetacommandBot 03:47, 10 November 2007 (UTC)

Science vs Philosophy?
I was drawn by the recent edit to look at the distinction drawn between atomism in science and philosophy:


 * "The word atom is understood in primarily two distinct ways: firstly, by the physical sciences; secondly, by philosophy. Atomism is traditionally associated with the latter,..."

I see two problems with this distinction:

First, by "physical sciences" the editors seem to mean the modern physical sciences, ignoring the fact that early "natural philosophers" who debated the nature of the material world (e.g., Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Democritus, Descartes, Hobbes) are considered by most historians of science to have been doing physical science. Thus the attempt to separate "natural philosophy" from the "physical sciences" seems to be either a false dichotomy, or perhaps a dichotomy that needs to be more clearly defined.

Secondly, once we look at the boundary in this fashion, the claim that atomism is traditionally associated with philosophy (as opposed to physical science) doesn't seem to hold up.

--SteveMcCluskey (talk) 13:53, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

misleading, not true and not in the citations
Islamic corpuscularism
 * I cut this out because inner and outer layers are not corpuscularism also Newman is alone in finding corpuscularism in the 13th century alchemy (not the 8th). The quote from Moran is out of context. Levere does not mention corpuscularism.J8079s (talk) 01:00, 9 June 2010 (UTC)


 * OK, I see your point on the early Islamic corpuscular doctrines, which were added by User:Jagged 85. However, later (17th c) corpuscularism is a well-established tradition that should be included.  --SteveMcCluskey (talk) 01:45, 9 June 2010 (UTC)

Indian atomism
I don't know how is possibile to define a date about Indian atomism, the Indian culture until relatevely recent time was an oral culture with very hard system of memory transmission with strong exercises and declamations. The language was sanscrito vedico with a oral code. The grammar of Panini is dated during Hellenistic period. Only recently perhaps from late time of Persian empire before the Alessandro conquest, came to India the Aramaic alphabet !!! that is the base of Sanscito alphabet. How is possible affirm that the atomism of Gianismo is more ancient on Ionian atomism ??? Is more probable that is an hellenic influence from central asia and the book writed are subsequent like the schools of Nyaya and Vaisheshika. Nyaya Sutras, which were written by Aksapada Gautama from around the 2nd century CE ?

Michele —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.223.58.242 (talk) 21:03, 30 October 2010 (UTC)


 * Sources vary... The wording and placement are pretty modest all in all. 200 CE (plus) would be a very conservative point of view relative to the citations at hand.—Machine Elf 1735 (talk) 08:31, 31 October 2010 (UTC)

It is better to use a conservative date, if there isn't irrefutable evidence.

Michele —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.222.76.29 (talk) 16:40, 31 October 2010 (UTC)

""" Sanskrit is written in an alphabet known as Devanagari. To trace its origin is to trace the development of writing in India. The source of most of the Indian alphabets is an ancient script known as Brahmi which, in the opinion of most scholars, is of Semitic origin, probably Aramaic. One of its many offshoots was the Gupta script, used throughout the powerful Gupta empire in the 4th-6th century CE. The Devanagari characters developed from a variety of Gupta, the earliest inscriptions appearing in the 7th century..... It is considered one of the most perfect systems of writing ever devised....""""" cit. The languages of the world of Kenneth Katzner. chap. Sanskrit Ok... The ancient inscriptions in Brahmi are dated from Asoka empire. Ok....

Pheraps the Nyaya Sutras, which were written by Aksapada Gautama are written in sanskrit language with Brahmi script ??? I am not a scholar of Indian history. There is someone that can answer this question?? Sorry for my bad english !!! Thank you. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.222.76.29 (talk) 18:06, 31 October 2010 (UTC)

Michele


 * In regard to: "It is better to use a conservative date, if there isn't irrefutable evidence."
 * Per our sourcing policy (WP:V), Wikipedia simply uses whatever the reliable sources (WP:RS) use. We don't address questions of "irrefutable evidence" here because the sources do that, (i.e. WP isn't about the truth: WP:VNT). If you can cite (not recite) some sources that say something different about the dates, then we can expand on the date discussion in the article... Per WP:NPOV, removing the statement is not an option unless you can demonstrate the currently cited sources are either unreliable (and should be removed) or that they're WP:FRINGE, in which case, WP:UNDUE weight is being given in the lead.
 * One option for discussion, (see WP:BRD), would be to use the range 800 BC - 400 BC, but in relation to the given sources, the original contributor's "6th century BC" seems both conservative and a fair enough summary for the lead, IMO.—Machine Elf 1735 (talk) 23:59, 31 October 2010 (UTC)


 * Thanks Machine Elf......you have summarised the Wiki policy very succinctly.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 05:24, 1 November 2010 (UTC)

___________________________________

I saw that the assertion of hypothetical dating VIII – IV century BCE of indian atomism is based on a sophism (analysis of a language structure based on sutras written on 2 century CE and after). In V-VI century BCE the atomism in Greece was mature. It is like to be a Renaissance painter that paints the personages of Symposium of Plato with Renaissance clothes. In Homer, Mycenaean heroes have classic gods, but we cannot say that this is exactly the religion at time of Agamemnon. The Linear-b tablets inform us about of the existence also of other gods. (1) In the archeology of the artifact give us only general information about the religion or philosophy. Often is difficult recognize a temple. And the analogy with modern ideas can lead to big mistakes. Without texts we don’t know the religion of Harappa and we don’t know the religion of Santorini civilisation. (Linear-A is not decoded) The first inscription in India is Asoka's edict that is in Brahmi and Magadhi language, (In India area, before, existing only Harappa script that actually isn’t decoded) [see Wiki eng.]. Some parts of Asoka's edict is written also in Greek and Aramaic. [see every encicl....].

Is better not to use “...The earliest references.....ecc..... “ citing Nyaya Sutras and Vaisheshika that are fixed in recent time during CE period. [see every encicl..]. In the same terms there are also hypothetical atomistic philosophers like Phoenician Macho Sidonio (1) (Mycenaean – Egyptian New Kingdom era XIV century BCE) and at moment I don’t remember but there are others that came from Assiria and Mesopotamia. But they don’t give us texts We know their existence from some texts written a millennium after. Is more ancient Orphism or Induism ? Greek or Sanscript ? I don’t know. But is sure that greek is written before of Sanskrit !! This is a fact.... The greek and sanskrit have the same origin this is also a fact....

Michele (sorry I know that I need to register)

PS: The contacts between Greeks and Indians and Mesopotamia and Egypts were like today. So often is impossible determine the origin of a Idea. Pythagoras probably as Ibn Battuta went in Italy, Egypt, Mesopotamia, India. We have some information of Induism even from Ciceron (De divina....), that disputes on origin Pythagoras's metempsychosis. Roman coins turned in India. ecc See philosopher Apollonio di Tiana I century CE that went to India and left us a text. Buddist philosophers of Asoka went in greece ecc. See the history of Indian Statuary.... ecc.

(1) some text you can find on Internet About Macho Sidonio in google books: Giornale pei letterati anno MDCCXLVII dedicato a Domenico Passionei.... stampato in Roma 1747 ecc You can see other Phisica vetus et vera... ecc It is easier to see also spanish Wiki....Mosco de Sidon: cit  “e Tanto el filósofo, historiador y geógrafo griego Estrabón de Ponto (h.-64/-58 - h 19/25) como el médico y filósofo escéptico (pirrónico) Sexto Empírico (o Sexto el Empírico) (siglos II y III), le atribuyen el haber sido el primero en concebir el pensamiento atomista (o corpuscular) y, por ende, la creación del atomismo; sentando de esta manera en su persona, el origen de la filosofía atomista aproximadamente de un milenio antes de los filósofos presocráticos

(2) About the greek religion on linear-b tablets see: Walter Burkert, “Griechische Religion der archaischen und klassichen Epoche”, Berlin 1977 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.222.73.217 (talk) 00:17, 9 November 2010 (UTC)


 * Michele, this is not the right page to debate on philology, Linguistics, Archeology, paleography and ancient history. We are not here to prove whether sanskrit or greek or brahmi is older. Kindly discuss the same in their respective pages. Also do not indulge in Original Research. Please see the policy No original research. Thanks.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 06:17, 9 November 2010 (UTC)

My argoments are not original researches but teenager secondary school concepts.... To insist on the “.....Earliest reference ...date back to ancient India... . appare first in Jainism...” does this engl. wikipedia article much " american Hippie " ( NPOV FAQ ) Conclusion: It is better to write “A atomism concept is present in the Janism religion..... and Induism probably from the origin of these religions..... is more neutral.

Michele —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.222.72.116 (talk) 11:17, 9 November 2010 (UTC)


 * When we are discussing the chronology and history of atomism we have no option but to use the terms as "Earliest reference ...date back to ancient India... . appeare first in Jainism...” Wikipedia is replete with such terms where we are dwriting something historical. If Atomism's first reference appeared in India and that is what is stated then it is perfectly neutral. Just because it does not meet your expectation, you cannot decide what is neutral and what is not.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 07:15, 10 November 2010 (UTC)

History is a science that is based on evidence: documents, archeological findings and other primary sources. The literary sources should be used with a critical point of view and in the political-social-economic context of their time. Secondary works is an interpretation of the sources and they should be controlled and verified. Unfortunately there are many books of fanta-history or with faith dogmas and they are not scientific. These books are usually based on selected sources to fit their already formed ideas. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.223.58.213 (talk) 10:07, 10 November 2010 (UTC)

Michele


 * That is why you have to use Reliable Sources.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 10:34, 10 November 2010 (UTC)

_____________________________________________________________________

The texts and books of Presocratic philosopher are like the modern books. You know the idea of Kant because you have read a book of Kant. For ideas born in oral period and fixed in a more recent era is possible that there are modern influences. For oral sources often the identification of original idea and the dating became conjectures, as Old Testament and Homer, ecc. Ad ex. The philosophers of Nyaya school of logic when they begin to write their texts certainly they know Aristotle logic. The Indian schools refuse the atheistic atomism but probably during Asoka or Menandro (Milinda) Empire they know the greek atomism how the greek know the Buddhism.

I am finishing the discussion here, otherwise became infinite, your opinion is static and categorical and it is impossible to have a dialectic debate. "...The earliest..." is a superlative term and in history is a nonsense ! Take it off !!!!! It is better a ...'" probably from 6 century bce... "' I accept this form otherwise is as dating Genesys '''

Don't leave the oral and dogma faith to win upon written document and logic.'''

Certainly my poor english isn't clear. I find in internet a book that say the things that I try to support.

About Greek and Indian philosophy relations http://books.google.it/books?id=Vpqr1vNWQhUC&lpg=PA323&ots=XeadkAvVYi&dq=%5E%20Gangopadhyaya%2C%20Mrinalkanti%20(1981).%20Indian%20Atomism%3A%20History%20and%20Sources.%20Atlantic%20Highlands%2C%20New%20Jersey%3A%20Humanities%20Press.&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q=%5E%20Gangopadhyaya,%20Mrinalkanti%20(1981).%20Indian%20Atomism:%20History%20and%20Sources.%20Atlantic%20Highlands,%20New%20Jersey:%20Humanities%20Press.&f=false —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.222.74.11 (talk) 23:40, 10 November 2010 (UTC)

Michele

Ps: There are also pseudo-historians that see atomism in Moses!!!


 * My dear friend, you yourself are culpable of what you are accusing me of. I am assuming good faith on your part but unfortunately you have come with an pre-determined agenda, which you tried first on pages of Jainism and now here. Of course the greeks were one of the pioneers of knowledge but remember one of the and not only (the way like you would like everyone to believe.) The term earliest reference is perfectly acceptable and the link provided by you is not excatly helpful.

Atomism is a specific occidental philosophy
Atomism is a specific greek and after occidental philosophy born in Ionia (Asia Minore) in very particular social and cultural situation. Is possible that other culture development similar idea, but surely without the relativistic implication of this philosophy, so i think that is better create a separate voice of greek atomism. In the article there isn't a mention of Anassagora, this philosophy is evolved into Epicureism during Roman Empire. A bible of this idea is the De Rerum Natura of Lucrezio Caro where there is the explanation of the universe without god with only the humana ratio. During the Christian period the books with atomism argoments disappears in monasters, and only with italian renaissance they are newly re-read. Par example Poggio Bracciolini discovered fragments of De Rerum Natura in the monaster of San Gallo (Switzerland). During the Illuminism before into masonry organisations to be protected (was very dangerous to speek of this arguments) and after in the universities with Gassendi, Newton, Boyle and others the atomism became a base of occidental philosophy of science and modern phisics. Atomism is a relativistic idea so it was persecuted from the church and the autorities and from philosopher with neoplatonic idea. And during late Roman Empire was outcast from Platonic and Aristotelic philosophers.

P.S. Anassagora thought that the sun was a simple and close star and around the others stars there were planets with inhabitants, so the man not was in the centre of the universe. The universe was energy (movements of atoms) and matter(atoms)and empty.

Michele —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.222.76.29 (talk) 20:33, 31 October 2010 (UTC)
 * Hi Michele, please follow your name with ~ in order to sign your posts. Thanks.
 * I agree, it's apples and oranges, and that's OK... until such articles (about apples and/or oranges) can be fruitful and multiply.—Machine Elf 1735 (talk) 22:56, 31 October 2010 (UTC)
 * Stop the edit waring Michele or your IP addresses will be blocked.—Machine Elf 1735 (talk) 19:06, 11 November 2010 (UTC)

a clarification
I have to make a clarification: according to Democrito the universe is empty. On the contrary according to Anaxagoras the universe is permeated by aethere and the latter explains the transmission of physical phenomenon. The Ionian atomism was heretic because for it, the universe is not metaphysical. The Universe isn’t god and there is no God in it or Dharma, transcendental energy, etc. The nous of the universe is only a cold imprescrutable mechanism. Atom is an evolution of the oldest concept of Arche (transcendental element) that exist in Hesiod and in Thales. Arche has various meanings: it can be infinitely big or small and indivisible and form the things. But the atom is not arche. Arche can be a part of holistic metaphysical organism or entity. The Ionian atom, as the modern atom, is a model (good or bad) to explain only physical phenomenon not to discovered God or other metaphysical questions ... Atomism is relativistic ! It is an accepted inability of the human logic and senses to know the whole !

There is also the hermetic tradition see Isaac Newton but is another thing it is a mysterical initiation on knowledge of the Ancients. Expl. three times hero Hermete. See pseudoepigraphics texts (Egyptian-Ptolemaic period). These texts were very important in the Renaissance and Illuminism. About Isaac Newton see The Foundations of Newton's Alchemy (Cambridge University Press, 1984),

Dear Elf, it need to understand how “atomism” this article want illustrate. About the "system of values" behind the use of certain citations I remain in my opinion. I prefer scientifically validated Encycl as Encycl. Brit. Wikipedia at moment risks to be the pulpit of organised sectarisms.

Michele PS. I have no expectations I am skeptic. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.223.59.107 (talk) 22:45, 20 November 2010 (UTC)


 * Hi Michele, you prefer a scientifically validated encyclopedia? Have you tried searching for one on Google? I doubt the article has a '"system of values"' but it may have a hodgepodge of something. Could you be more specific about why you post to this talk page? Is this about the same issue as before? I thought the discussion was complete.—Machine Elf 1735 (talk) 06:00, 21 November 2010 (UTC)

organisation of the article
The organisation of the article is confused and cannot be used from a baby !!! I would propose use cut and past:

1) A general description what is the atomism without cultural references, origin and other. (I would avoid comparisons).

2 Occidental Atomism: 2.1 atomism in Greek-Roman world (origin and introduction) 2.2 Leucippos 2.3 Democritos 2.4 Platone and atomism 2.5 Aristotele and atomism 2.6 Epicuro and atomism 2.7 Lucrezio atomism and De Rerum Natura 2.8 Medieval Europe atomism (exile) ref with Averroism 2.7 Renaissance until XIX sec. atomism

3 Islamic world atomism 3.1 Asharite atomism 3.2 Averroism

4 Indian atomism 4.1 atomism in India (origin and introduction) 4.2 Vaisesika-Nyaya school 4.2 Buddhism and atomism 4.3 Jaina school

XX century theories and modern atomic phisics [better in an other article]

Michele —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.223.58.133 (talk) 22:14, 11 November 2010 (UTC)

Ps. it exists numerous fragments of Democrito texts why my reference is been cancelled is a classic lycean book used in italian school. We know from Trasillo (Tiberio empire) that Democrito writed 15 Tetralogie: 2 moral books 3 phisics books 4 ethiologic 3 mathematic 2 of music and 2 of tecnics. Of all of these arrive us numerous and no connect fragments.

Democrito. Raccolta dei frammenti, interpretazione e commentario. Testi greci e latini a fronte. Versione russa in appendice Ingrandisci Dettagli del Libro: Autore: Non Specificato Editore: Bompiani Genere: filosofia antica, medievale, orientale Collana: Il pensiero occidentale Curatore: Luria S. Traduttore: Krivushina A. - Fusaro D. Pagine: LIV-1738 ISBN: 8845258041 ISBN-13: 9788845258046 Data pubbl.: 2007
 * Michele, self–revert your changes per WP:BRD (and possibly WP:SIGN) if you'd like to contribute constructively.—Machine Elf 1735 (talk) 23:47, 11 November 2010 (UTC)


 * Michele, this is wikipedia not a blog. If you want to do original research, pls get in touch with some scientific journal. If you insist on your edits, your IP will be blocked.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 04:16, 12 November 2010 (UTC)


 * Michele/Andriolo: I'm sorry but I don't think your outline "cannot be used for a baby" either, (whatever that means... we're trying to build an encyclopedia here). Please amend your disruptive pattern of editing by making a clear and concise suggestion here on the talk page prior to making changes to the article. If there's a consensus in favor of your changes, they can be implemented. Otherwise, not.


 * Indian Chronicles: Sorry if I confused things by trying to accommodate Michele/Andriolo's "Strabo" contribution in a detail section. Unfortunately, I see it fails verification. It's probably best to continue using 22:39, 31 October 2010 as the baseline for WP:BRD because Michele/Andriolo had also removed (unrelated) sourced material from the lead.—Machine Elf 1735 (talk) 05:45, 12 November 2010 (UTC)


 * I agree. But lead still looks a bit bigger. Maybe we can compact it.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 18:01, 12 November 2010 (UTC)

_________

Dear Elf, I am sorry, I am learning how to use wikipedia. And I have a baby entusiasm to contribute to this encyclopedia and I believe that wikipedia can be a good instruments. I think that i will contribute in a language that i know better. For me is difficult to use good English and I haven't time for childrens and job. But I see that in Wikipedia there are the dangerous religious sectarian forms as Scientology case too. They use the source in ideological manner. The position of citation example out of contest. At this moment 11/12/2010 this article is trash, is impossible to use it. It is as a stupid puzzle without logical scheme. (It is like an italian "Minestrone")

Dear Indian or Indians. About verification of Strabo, you can go to a shop and buy the book is (Geography of Strabo)that it seems that you have never seen. It is possible to find it everywhere also in Amazon maybe also with english translation. Strabo is not a compilation of religious aphorisms or sutras but it is a historical book. A big part of the Mediterranean archeology is based on Strabon and Herodotus with objective evidence.

I have translated this texts that you can find into a book: ''"....Now, while it is easy to judge what others have written, the information given by Homer has need of a thorough critical inquiry, since he speaks as a poet...." (Strabone. Geography. Viii, 1, 1)

[2.000 yeas ago] Today there are persons that think with dogmas.

Why book (ref.)-Strabo (written)--Mochus(oral) book (ref.)Indian cronicle or commentaire (written II cent CE and after)- VI cent (oral) cannot stay together at the head of the page ?

About the debate with Indians book (ref.)--- Democrito fragments (written) book (ref.)Indian cronicle or commentaire (written II cent CE and after)- IV or VIII cent (oral)

Δεν θα συνεχίσω τη συζήτηση αυτή που δεν οδηγεί πουθενά. Δεν είναι σοβαρό να γραφει κανείς για τον ατομισμό χωρίς να ξέρει ελληνικά. Προτιμώ να συζητήσω αυτό το θέμα με ανθρώπους που σκέφτονται. If there are some classical student that will read this discussion will understand.

Michele —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.222.75.127 (talk) 08:28, 12 November 2010 (UTC)


 * My Status: Still trying to decipher what Michelle has written and what he/she is trying to accuse me of.
 * Michele, You need to come out of your greek or occidental-centric world. Thanks for your translation of strabo. For your kind information, critical analysis, rationality and discriminative knowledge have been hallmarks of Indian civilisation before even Greeks started developing the western civilisation. But understand one thing: this article is about Atomism and not how great strabo and greeks were. Kindly stick to the topic. And stop accusing some one of being more than one persons. If you want to argue atleast play fair and stick to topic. You tried your luck on pages of Jainism doubting its antiquity and failed. You are like a frog in the greek well. Take your time in wikipedia as a learning experience.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 17:59, 12 November 2010 (UTC)

We have an agreement Indian Chronicles rif atom talk page. --Andriolo (talk) 21:04, 19 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Not here.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 04:01, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

Why should it be different ? --Andriolo (talk) 07:37, 20 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Agreement on Atom page was only for a cursory mention. Here we can put it up in detail. Please feel free to put up what is right as long as it is well referenced and pertains to the issue and don't indulge in Original Research. I will do the same.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 09:06, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

It is a broken record. Why you contradict your philosophy ? For you it is possible to touch other parts of the Elephant or not ? Why for you, it is so important to have the chain “to be more ancient than other” it is so necessary for your philosophy ? The sentence that we have choice in atom article it is so bad for you ? Simply the sentence leaves free the question, it gives an hypothesis (shareable? It is no important) and finally respect the historical method and your belief. --Andriolo (talk) 09:47, 20 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Heck, whats your problem...do you enjoy sparring with me. All I said that here we can put this in more detail as long as you reference it properly. Spacepotato is giving a clearcut reference, you are on the other hand giving your opinion and indulging in Original Research. One just needs to see your discussion on the talk page. Antiquity is not important for my philsophy. Truth is. As simple. Whatever may be our philosophy, let us stick to WP Policies for now. Unfortunately your arguments are more argumentum ad hominem rather than content related. Go ahead and make changes, no one owns this page.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 12:02, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

I agree with this sentence that it is proposed from Spacepotato, and you?: References to the concept of atoms date back to ancient Greece and India. In India, the Ajivika, Jain, and Carvaka schools of atomism may date back to the 6th century BCE. (McEvilley, p. 317) The Nyaya and Vaisheshika schools later developed theories on how atoms combined into more complex objects. (King, pp. 105-107) --Andriolo (talk) 13:04, 20 January 2011 (UTC)


 * If you feel like it please put it.--Indian Chronicles (talk) 14:40, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

''References to the concept of atoms date back to ancient India and ancient Greece. In India, the Jain (1), Ajivika and Carvaka schools of atomism may date back to the 6th century BCE. (2) The Nyaya and Vaisheshika schools later developed theories on how atoms combined into more complex objects. (3) In the West, the references to atoms emerged in the 5th century BCE with Leucippus, and Democritus.(4) Whether Indian culture influenced Greek or vice versa or whether both evolved independently is a matter of dispute. (5)''

(1) Gangopadhyaya, Mrinalkanti. Indian Atomism: history and sources. Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey: Humanities Press, 1981. ISBN 0-391-02177-X, p. ?

(2) Thomas McEvilley, The Shape of Ancient Thought: Comparative Studies in Greek and Indian Philosophies ISBN 1-58115-203-5, Allwarth Press, 2002, p. 317-321.

(3) Richard King, Indian philosophy: an introduction to Hindu and Buddhist thought,, Edinburgh University Press, 1999, ISBN 0748609547, pp. 105-107.

(4) The atomists, Leucippus and Democritus: fragments, a text and translation with a commentary by C.C.W. Taylor, University of Toronto Press Incorporated 1999, ISBN 0-8020-4390-9, pp. 157-158.

(5) Dick Teresi, (2003). Lost Discoveries: The Ancient Roots of Modern Science. Simon & Schuster, ISBN 074324379X. p. 213 (But it is possible to use McEvilley p. 317-321)

About Ancient China atomism, at moment I are unable to find this book: Needham, Joseph (1986), Science and Civilisation in China, 3, Mathematics and the Sciences of the Heavens and the Earth, Taipei: Caves Books Ltd. Infact in the wikipedia article of Mohism (5TH century BCE (?)) there is this sentence: Similar to the atomists of Democritus, the Mo Jing stated that a point is the smallest unit, and cannot be cut in half, since 'nothing' cannot be halved.

Otherwise the sentence I think It can change in this manner: References to the concept of atoms date back to ancient India, Greece and China.....

What do you think ?

--Andriolo (talk) 21:49, 20 January 2011 (UTC)
 * I think first one is better. China will need better references. Anyways, go ahead and edit, later on if we feel we can always improve it--Indian Chronicles (talk) 04:08, 21 January 2011 (UTC)

I will put the sentence, can you help me to harmonize the notes and give the missing page about Gangopadhyaya. I will put also the sentence Whether Indian culture influenced Greek or vice versa or whether both evolved independently is a matter of dispute. (5) because so we can to close the door about this debate on this article, in future.

About Mochus of Sidon, I don’t propose more. (Strabo call him atomist but He is important in Hermeticism) About Courpoularism and Hermeticism tradition I don’t propose more. Alchemy and Arché concept of Milesian thinkers haven’t the question of indivisibility.

Methodological question that I have propose so stupid when I was michele:

The modern atom is divisible, so I don’t know if it can to be considered it in atomism article. The western philosophy of atomism at moment is a died tradition, it is matter only for history. But I think the atomism tradition is in life in Indian schools because it is linked to religious tradition.

Forgive me. --Andriolo (talk) 08:09, 21 January 2011 (UTC)

Atomism is a natural philosophy that developed in several ancient traditions. In the Western tradition, it dates back to Leucippus and his student Democritus in the 5th century BC.[1] These atomists theorized that the natural world consists of two fundamental principles, atoms (indivisible bodies) and void, (a vacuum, i.e. empty space).

I think that this black sentence is no more necessary. Can I delete it ? --Andriolo (talk) 09:00, 21 January 2011 (UTC)

I change "these atomists...." with "the atomists...." in the head. --Andriolo (talk) 16:12, 21 January 2011 (UTC)

Contradiction information in the article
In the introduction of the article, there is this statement: ''According to Aristotle, atoms are indestructible and immutable and there are an infinite variety of shapes and sizes. They move through the void, bouncing off each other, sometimes becoming hooked with one or more others to form a cluster. Clusters of different shapes, arrangements, and positions give rise to the various macroscopic substances in the world.'' And later on the article, there is a section "The rejection of atoms" that says Aristotle rejected the idea of atom. So which one is true? Did Aristotle support or reject the idea of atom? 65.128.190.136 (talk) 22:14, 5 October 2012 (UTC)
 * Good catch, the passage in the lead is misleading. It cites Aristotle for a description of atoms -- a concept that Aristotle described but rejected.  I'm returning that passage to the state before this edit. --SteveMcCluskey (talk) 03:15, 6 October 2012 (UTC)

Universal approach
Not Aryan like.

There is a small problem: unfortunately "Middle East cannot be older than India" ;-). Try to insert it. I hope you'll be very patient. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.222.73.79 (talk) 23:01, 28 March 2013 (UTC)  (Andriolo) However: http://books.google.it/books?id=_iXs1aCr1ckC&pg=PA973&lpg=PA973&dq=mochus+of+sidon&source=bl&ots=54MLmsFbJr&sig=SYl3VhelOtcLoZQI5sKM_uJQvBU&hl=it&sa=X&ei=vM1UUf2cNsOm4gTSkIGQAw&ved=0CGMQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=mochus%20of%20sidon&f=false  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.222.73.79 (talk) 23:17, 28 March 2013 (UTC)

Atomic Theory section inappropriate for Philosophic Atoms
It seems completely odd that the article chooses to conflate the notion of a philosophical atom with a scientific one. A philosophical atom has features which actual atoms do not such, e.g. being indivisible and immutable, which are not at all true of scientific atoms. The term "atom" in science denotes an entirely distinct concept and should be featured solely as an article for further reference with a disambiguation notice.

If no objections are raised I will change the article to reflect this.64.131.157.208 (talk) 15:33, 24 July 2013 (UTC)

Altering it now.64.131.157.208 (talk) 02:50, 29 July 2013 (UTC)

Someone altered the article back. I am removing it now again. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.131.157.208 (talk) 08:15, 7 August 2013 (UTC)


 * 1.When adding a section to the talk page please do it at the end. It is customary for talk pages to follow chronological order. I've now moved this section to the end of the page. 2.The strict distinction of science vs philosophy is a modern concept and dichotomy which at minimum makes little sense historically, at least in this context; e.g. Newton's seminal work after all was named the Mathematical Principals of Natural Philosophy. Moreover if we were to follow such strict and imo anachrostic and arbitrary dichotomy, no ancient -or even not so ancient- "philosophical" or philosophical view, theory, practice, etc on whatever discipline would be anywhere relevant; e.g. since Kepler used the "God insired" Platonic solids on the Cosmos or since even after Newton, astronomy was still conflated for a period with astrology, one would have to erase from the astronomy article all the ancient -or not so ancient- parts-sections-history. 3. You could voice your objections by adding to the atomic theory section phrases expressing the science vs philosophy view or placing the whole atomic theory section(s) under e.g. a new super-section Atomism according to modern Science. Or if your objections are more strong than that you could argue more seriously; just disagreeing is not a real argument. 4. You may want to read about the -relatively- modern atomic theory controversy, the atomists vs the energeticians and how it relates to what we now call philosophy; I strongly suggest you read e.g. Poincare on Atoms and Atomism... 5. It's therefore certainly not complete odd "to conflate the notion of a philosophical atom with a scientific one". It may seem to you; but this in no way justifies a whole section blanking... Thanatos|talk|contributions 10:29, 7 August 2013 (UTC)

Is the 20th century relevant?
Note: new to Wikipedia.

I am reading the page and the fourth paragraph begins, "However, in the 20th century..." Is this relevant? If people want to read about atomic theory, they can go to the atomic theory page. I don't feel it has much to do with atomism, the philosophy from the 5th century BCE.

Shelby thomas15 (talk) 01:44, 14 September 2013 (UTC)

External links modified
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Atomism vs the trascendence of the Absolute
The jurist Frederic Harrison affirmed that atomistic theory aimed to remove the "distinction which the Eleatic school drew between the Absolute, or the only real existence, and the world of change around us."

Aristotle (Physics, 2045) demonstrated that an actual infinite can't exist in nature because any continous quantity is by definition divisible for an infinite number of times, generating a potential infinite, namely, a finite quantity which grows without any interruption. On the contrary, atomism stated that matters becomes indivisible from a certain point onwards, and therefore made possible the identification of the metaphysical unique God, conceived as an actual infinite, with the immanent space and time. This aspect can be eventually pointed out in the WP article with additinal references.Theologian81sp (talk) 18:26, 11 June 2021 (UTC)

Chinese contribution on atomism
Ancient Chinese also believed in atomism i have uploaded the article about it Hagemaruii (talk) 11:13, 2 February 2023 (UTC)  ☿  Apaugasma  ( talk  ☉) 17:29, 3 February 2023 (UTC)

Charge on eurocentricsm by Wikipedia editors
The entire section of the article is primarily eurocentric.When i uploaded anything about what other civilizations had talked about the atomic theory  you guys would remove it saying that it has nothing to do with atoms but i have correctly mentioned the reference and citation of the link but you guys won't read it and secondly why in the Indian section it is given that the atomic theory did by india has similarities of ancient Greek philosopher democritus.Why not it is mentioned in the Greek section that the Greek theory of atomism is similar to india.Its just eurocentric. Hagemaruii (talk) 23:07, 2 February 2023 (UTC)  ☿  Apaugasma  ( talk  ☉) 17:29, 3 February 2023 (UTC)
 * There are several concerns here:
 * I checked the source for this addition (cf. ), and it does not verify the content (it is in fact talking about something completely unrelated). When I asked you about this, you said you copied it from another article, but despite my asking which Wikipedia article you copied it from, you still have not said so. Please tell us which article you copied it from so we can correct it there too. Please also understand that as long as you fail to tell where you copied the fake reference from, we have reason to be suspicious about any other edits you make.
 * In this edit and again in this edit and this edit, you write The concept of atomism is developed in ancient China.They believed that the matter of the universe is composed of five elements they are metal, wood, water, fire and earth.It was first mentioned in the chapter of Hong Fang in the book of Shang shu, citing this source and (later only) this source. But neither of those sources mention Hong Fang or Shang shu, and the only one of the two that actually mentions the Chinese five elements (the second, which as a WP:BLOG is also not reliable) explicitly says that the Chinese five elements theory is unrelated to the ideas of atoms proper. This is an unacceptable misrepresentation of the source.
 * More generally, you seem to believe that elemental theories like the Empedoclean four element theory have anything to do with atomism, which they emphatically do not. Please read this reliable article on ancient atomism. It has good sections on Indian and Islamic atomism. It also helpfully clarifies that atomism seems to have never been adopted in Chinese natural philosophy. To write on Wikipedia, you should have a minimally accurate idea of what you're writing about, which you will only get from reading truly reliable sources.
 * Finally, as I mentioned before on your talk page, your English writing skills are not very strong. If your editing was really good perhaps others editors would be motivated to correct your English where necessary, but a combination of bad English with sources that do not match up with content creates just too much of a headache. Please consider helping out at another wiki, where your contributions may be much more productive.
 * Thanks for taking this into consideration, ☿ Apaugasma  ( talk  ☉) 01:36, 3 February 2023 (UTC)

https://www.jstor.org/stable/6621 this link has correct answer to it check it. Hagemaruii (talk) 06:16, 3 February 2023 (UTC)  ☿  Apaugasma  ( talk  ☉) 17:29, 3 February 2023 (UTC)


 * This is the first of the two sources I cited above in my second point. It does not contain anything about the five elements, nor about Hong Fang of Shang shu. Yes, it does briefly talk on pp. 442-443 about a theory involving positive and negative principles emerging from a gas, of which it says that the theory has a flavor slightly like our present-day ideas of the constitution of the atom, but this is not what you cited it for. Just as an aside, on p. 443 it attributes the four-element theory to Heraclitus, which is a rather sorry mistake and shows that this source is not reliable.
 * But that is all beside the point. Please answer the very pertinent questions above. ☿ Apaugasma  ( talk  ☉) 07:01, 3 February 2023 (UTC)
 * Just noting for the record that has now been blocked as a block-evading sockpuppet. ☿  Apaugasma  ( talk  ☉) 17:29, 3 February 2023 (UTC)

Why no section on Jain Atomism?
Why is there no mention of Jain atomic theory in this article? It is detailed in a variety of Jain texts, such as Panchastikaya Sara, Tattvartha  Sutra, SARVARTHA SIDDHI,  DRAVYA SANGRAHA, and GOMMATA SARA JIVA KANDA among others. See more details in the book COSMOLOGY OLD AND NEW by physicist G.R. Jain. 47.138.18.163 (talk) 02:22, 20 March 2023 (UTC)

Chinese atomism
I will provide a link on ancient Chinese theory of atomism if it is genuine then you can make a article on it. https://www.jstor.org/stable/6621 Ppppphgtygd (talk) 16:10, 22 March 2023 (UTC) Ppppphgtygd (talk) 05:55, 23 March 2023 (UTC)

Mosco de Sidon
there is a claim that the philosopher Mosco de Sidon had discovered atomism century before ancient Greeks. Cuando de hyiopi (talk) 12:48, 9 April 2023 (UTC)

Democritus and Jainism
Why was this deleted earlier?

In the West, the Greek philosopher known as DEMOCRITUS OF ABDERA (4th century BC) is credited as the one who first theorized about the existence of atoms. His school of thought has been called “atomism”, however, the concept of atoms was entirely new to Greece, whereas it was an old concept in India dating back at least to Bhagavan Mahavira (599 to 527 BC) of Jainism. At least 5 different ancient Greek and Roman historians wrote that Democritus traveled to India and studied there (as well as Babylonia and Egypt). These historians include DIOGENES LAERTIUS, SUIDAS, STRABO (while citing Alexander the Great’s historian Megasthenes), AELIAN (Claudius Aelianus), and the early Christian theologian HIPPOLYTUS. In fact, both Diogenes Laertius and Hippolytus specifically stated that Democritus studied under the GYMNOSOPHISTS or “naked sages” of India who have been identified as none other than the naked Jain monks. Hence, it is possible that Democritus of Abdera gained the idea of atomism, which was new to the Greeks, directly from the Jains in India.

Source: Taylor, C.C.W.  THE ATOMISTS: LEUCIPPUS AND DEMOCRITUS - FRAGMENTS A TEXT AND TRANSLATION WITH A COMMENTARY. University of Toronto Press, 1999. 47.138.18.163 (talk) 05:12, 27 April 2023 (UTC)


 * first of all there is no evidence of democritus visiting india as the first contact between the Greeks and the indians happened during the conquest of Alexander the great and the concept derived by Democritus has nothing to do with what Jain's thought about atoms.The atomic ideas of democritus is little similar to sage kanada who date was uncertain but it's more likely to of 2nd century CE or BCE according to various reliable sources. Myuoh kaka roi (talk) 14:20, 1 October 2023 (UTC)

Strange assertion of contradiction
'Three hundred years after Epicurus, Lucretius in his epic poem On the Nature of Things would depict him as the hero who crushed the monster Religion through educating the people in what was possible in atoms and what was not possible in atoms. However, Epicurus expressed a non-aggressive attitude characterized by his statement: "The man who best knows how to meet external threats makes into one family all the creatures he can; and those he can not, he at any rate does not treat as aliens; and where he finds even this impossible, he avoids all dealings, and, so far as is advantageous, excludes them from his life."'

The use of the word 'however' implies a contradiction, but there is no contradiction. Whoever wrote this apparently felt that the (proselytising?) atheism that Lucretius attributes to Epicurus is somehow 'aggressive' and that given that Epicurus expressed a general principle of non-aggression towards living beings in the given quote, he can't have been a (proselytising?) atheist. This makes no sense: telling people that some belief of theirs is false is not 'aggression', and the role that Lucretius ascribes to Epicurus does not in any way contradict the principle that is proclaimed in the quote by Epicurus himself. 87.126.21.225 (talk) 00:10, 27 September 2023 (UTC)

Dharmakirti
Moved small paragraph on Dharmakirti which doesn't seem to be directly related to reductionism from section "Reductionism" to the lead. It is not my intention to emphasize his importance. The same info is repeated in "Medieval Buddhism", so it didn't seem meaningful to move it there. The Cosmic Ocean (Please feel free to modify or undo any of my edits as deemed appropriate.) 16:04, 10 October 2023 (UTC)

History section
Everything except the small section "Reductionism" is in the History section, so I removed the heading "History" and upgraded all subheadings thereunder one level. The Cosmic Ocean (Please feel free to modify or undo any of my edits as deemed appropriate.) 20:04, 10 October 2023 (UTC)

Scholasticism
Cool that they even show up but (a), no, the early branch in the 12th-century renaissance did not have access to tons of Aristotle's texts and (b), if you're going to talk about them, you should probably include more about the School of Chartres and William of Conches who actually were atomists of a sort and had their own responses to various medieval objections to the concept. — Llywelyn II   13:32, 28 May 2024 (UTC)