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How did Pierre Gassendi revive interest in Democritean atomism in the 17th century?
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Atomism
Epicurus, bronze bust from a Greek original, c. 280–270 bce; in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples.
In the 17th century, Pierre Gassendi revived Democritean atomism by framing it through the lens of Epicureanism, positioning it as a viable alternative to the dominant Aristotelianism of the time.1
Gassendi’s approach was characterized by several key efforts:
- Reconciliation with Faith: Unlike the ancient atomists, who were often viewed as atheistic, Gassendi took great care to emphasize that his mechanistic atomism was compatible with Christian theology. He rejected the Epicurean view of a material soul, asserting instead that the soul is immaterial and its existence is a matter of faith.1
- Empirical Framework: Gassendi argued that while the inner essences of things remain unknowable, one can use induction and observation to gain probable knowledge. He posited that perceptible events serve as signs of an underlying atomic world, using a mechanical model of atomic movement to explain natural phenomena without relying on teleology.1
- Scholarly Dissemination: Through major works such as Animadversiones (1649) and the posthumous Syntagma philosophicum (1658), he codified these ideas. His influence spread widely, as his theories were taught in schools across France, England, and North America, ultimately shaping the development of empiricism.1