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Democritus

Type Figure Region Europe Time c. -460–-370 Also known as the laughing philosopher

Ancient Greek philosopher and a principal founder of atomism, who held that all things consist of indivisible atoms and void, and whose natural philo…

Timeline

  1. c. -460–-440Abdera · ThraceBorn in the coastal Thracian city of Abdera to a wealthy family. According to tradition he was tutored by philosophers such as Leucippus, showing early broad curiosity about nature that laid the groundwork for his later travels and writings.
  2. c. -440–-420Eastern Mediterranean · Greek worldHe squandered his inheritance on extensive travels, studying in Egypt, Persia, and elsewhere, consulting geometers and astronomical observers. These journeys reinforced his belief in explaining natural change through reason and accumulated observations on the diversity of matter.
  3. c. -420–-370Abdera · ThraceBack in Abdera he systematically expounded the theory of atoms and void, holding that differences in the shape, size, and arrangement of atoms produce all phenomena. His works covered natural philosophy, ethics, and epistemology, were said to be voluminous, and survive only as fragments and secondhand citations.

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