Which early philosopher proposed that matter is composed of indivisible particles called atoms?

Which early philosopher proposed that matter is composed of indivisible particles called atoms?

• A. Aristotle
• B. Democritus
• C. Plato
• D. Socrates

Answer: (B)

Atomism is the idea that matter is made of tiny, indivisible pieces called atoms. Democritus, working with Leucippus in ancient Greece, proposed this view, suggesting that different substances arise from different kinds of atoms moving through the void, and that changes in the world come from the way these atoms join, separate, and rearrange. Atoms were thought to be eternal and indivisible, varying in shape and size. The other philosophers here argued different pictures of matter: Aristotle held that matter is continuous and built from four elements; Plato emphasized ideal forms and geometric order; Socrates focused on ethical and epistemological questions rather than a physical theory of matter. So, the idea that matter is composed of indivisible particles called atoms is attributed to Democritus.

Atomism is the idea that matter is made of tiny, indivisible pieces called atoms. Democritus, working with Leucippus in ancient Greece, proposed this view, suggesting that different substances arise from different kinds of atoms moving through the void, and that changes in the world come from the way these atoms join, separate, and rearrange. Atoms were thought to be eternal and indivisible, varying in shape and size. The other philosophers here argued different pictures of matter: Aristotle held that matter is continuous and built from four elements; Plato emphasized ideal forms and geometric order; Socrates focused on ethical and epistemological questions rather than a physical theory of matter. So, the idea that matter is composed of indivisible particles called atoms is attributed to Democritus.