Metaphysical Issue 1  Democritus:  Is Democritus’ foundational materialism coherent?

        Democritus asserted that everything consists of the smallest physical particles. He is not merely saying that everything physical consists of the smallest ultimate physical particles; rather, he is contending that everything is physical. If something does not consist of smallest physical particles, it does not exist. Democritus’ position is known as foundational materialism, since it holds that everything is physical and can be explained in physical or material terms.

STRENGTH: Democritus’ position is one of the major forms of materialism that has been advanced in the history of ideas. Many of the attitudes toward nature found in industrial societies may be traced to this line of thought among the ancients.

WEAKNESS: The position of Democritus collapses into an incoherent position. Paraphrased, his assertion becomes “everything consists of the smallest particles that can be further reduced in size.” The claim contradicts itself: if particles can be further reduced in size, they are not the smallest.

The enduring influence of Democritus may be traced to a particular interpretation of his position—namely, that everything consists of the smallest functional physical particles. While it makes sense for scientists to look for smaller and smaller functional particles, it makes no sense at all to look for smallest ultimate physical particles.