Final Report Epicurus Part 1 of 4

Epicurus’s Atomic Theory

Epicurus had a very unique theory on atoms. In his “Atomic Theory” he states that everything consists of matter, void, and their unique properties. In this theory, he also states that the number of atoms is “inconceivably large”, with an infinite amount of each type of atom. Because he believes that the amount of atoms is infinite, it led him to conclude that the universe is infinitely large, containing indestructible eternally moving elements.

Epicurus was said to of taken influence heavily from the Greek philosopher Democritus. Although Epicurus often denied taking influence from him, there is strong evidence against that. Democritus also believed that everything was composed of “atoms” that extend infinitely throughout space.  He also spoke of how atoms are indestructible, and constantly in motion.

            To Epicurus, “Creation from nothing” and “substantial” change are meaningless terms. He stated that any change in the universe is a result of atoms changing, colliding, combining, and so on.  He believes that humanity, as well as everything else in the universe is simply a vast collection of material atoms, all which behave according to determining factors.  He also believed that everything in existence was simply a temporary combination of differentiating atoms.

            Finally, Epicurus believed that, because there is an infinite amount of atoms in the infinite universe, there are an infinite amount of planets similar to earth within the universe. Strangely, he believed that with the continually stretching universe of planets that there is a universal up and down. He stated that what is up for one planet may be down for another, but it can be rationalized.