Democritus and Socrates: Atomism and Intellectualism
Democritus: The Atomist Theory
For Democritus, reality is composed of two fundamental elements: atoms, which are homogeneous and indivisible, and the void, which is the space in which atoms move. The void allows for the plurality of different particles. Democritus posited that atoms are distinguished by their shape, size, order, and position.
Atoms can assemble due to their shape, but they never merge. Bodies are formed by the temporary union of atoms, which separate and later rejoin with others. When the atoms of a body are separated by a collision with another set of atoms, they are free to collide and assemble again or continue moving until they find another body. For Democritus, atoms are always in motion and are eternal. This movement in a vacuum is an inherent, infinite, eternal, and indestructible trait.
The various objects, beings, and the diversity of reality are formed by necessity through the collisions, mergers, and separations of atoms. Every object and event in the universe is the result of these atomic interactions. Although the quote “all that exists is the result of chance and necessity” is attributed to Democritus, his writings emphasize necessity, unlike Epicurus, who emphasized chance. The atomist model is a clear example of a materialist model, where chance and chain reactions are the primary explanatory mechanisms.
Democritus proposed that the psychē (soul) of man is composed of light, spherical, smooth, and refined atoms, while the soma (body) is composed of heavier atoms. Sensory perceptions, such as hearing or vision, are explained by the interaction between atoms emanating from the perceived object and the atoms of the receiver. This explains the relativity of sensations. True and profound knowledge lies in understanding atoms and the void, as they generate the appearances we perceive on the surface.
Socrates: Intellectualism and Virtue
Socrates, in opposition to the Sophists, shared some of their ideas and had many admirers. He was sentenced to death but chose not to flee, accepting the laws. He spent his last moments with his disciples, individuals seeking rationality. His wife, Xanthippe, appeared and expressed her belief in his innocence.
Socrates’ Method: Mayeutics
Socrates believed he did not possess knowledge himself but had the ability to help others discover the ideas they carried within. This method, known as mayeutics (from the Greek word for midwife, as his mother was), involved inductive reasoning. It relied on logical processes based on universal experience and aimed to move away from the ambiguous meanings of words.
Intellectualism and *Arete* (Virtue)
Socrates equated *arete* (virtue) with the ability to do certain things. He believed that achieving *arete* required innate ability, learning, and practice.
Moral Intellectualism: Socrates’ concept of moral intellectualism posits that we behave morally when we possess moral *arete*. A person behaves well because they *know* how to behave. If they do not know, they lack the moral *arete*, meaning they are ignorant.
Political Intellectualism: This concept extends to politics, suggesting that a good ruler (*governan*) must possess political *arete*.