KAT E , A N D R E W , JAC O B

THE ATOM- PHILOSOPHERS POINT OF VIEW

WHO WAS DEMOCRITUS

• -Ancient Greek Philosopher• -Born in Abdera, Thrace, Greece in 460 BC and

died 370 BC• -Pupil of Leucippus• -Pre-Socratic Philosopher• -Formulated an atomic theory for the universe

WHO WAS ARISTOTLE

• -Greek Philosopher• -Born in Stagira, Chalcidice in 384 BC and died in

322 BC• -Joined Plato’s Academy in Athens at age 18• -Studied many subjects such as physics,

metaphysics, poetry, and much more.• -Writings were first to create a comprehensive

system of western philosophy, encompassing ethics, aesthetics, logic, science, politics, and metaphysics.

DEMOCRITUS’S THEORY

• Theory stated that all substances in the universe made up of particles so small nothing could be smaller. • Regarded those particles as unchangeable and

indestructible. • Argued that some atoms differed from each other

physically and those differences explained different kinds of matter.

ARISTOTLE’S THEORY

• Thought of atoms as being different sizes, regular geometric shapes, and being constant in motion

SIMILARITIES DIFFERENCES

• Both agreed that the universe is made up of particles

Democritus

Said there was nothing smaller then particles which we refer to as atomsSaid the particles were unchangeable and indestructible

DIFFERENCES

• Aristotle • Thought atoms were not all one size • Didn’t think that atoms were geometric shapes and in

constant motion • Said atoms couldn’t be in constant motion in a void • Same all matter consisted of one of the four elements • Also said they had to be one of the four qualities • Each moved to a line their “proper place”• Once there they will not move • Believed the heavens consisted of a fifth element called

“aither”

PLACE IN HISTORY

• 460 BC- Democritus was born

• 420 BC- Democritus discovered all things are made of atoms

• 382 BC- Aristotle was born

• 370 BC- Democritus died

• 332 BC- Aristotle discovered all things are made of form and matter

• 322 BC- Aristotle died

PUBLIC VIEW

• Aristotle’s theory was more widely accepted because he was more popular. • Aristotle’s theory was believed for almost 2,000

yrs.