Atomism and Its Critics: From Democritus to Newton [Paperback]

Andrew Pyle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1995 | ISBN-10: 1855065029 | ISBN-13: 978-1855065024

A substantial and in-depth study of the history of the atomic theory of matter between the time of Democritus and that of Newton. It is the first to emphasize the continuity of the atomic debate and the debt owed by the seventeenth-century "moderns" to the medieval critique of Aristotle.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Andrew Pyle's book provides both a scientific and a philosophical perspective the most comprehensive history of atomism available. He teases out the arguments, for and against, that dominated discussion of the theory from the Ancient World to the age of Newton and in so doing provides an unrivalled survey of the issues which the theory raises." G. A. J. Rogers -- G.A.J. Rogers

"Pyle's story, from Classical Antiquity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance up to the seventeenth century is beautifully and clearly organised . . . the book is a mine of information and a model of clarity." -- Alan Chalmers

"[A] valuable source book for specialist and non-specialist alike . . . an invaluable study." -- John Yolton

Product Details

• Paperback: 742 pages
• Publisher: St Augustine Pr Inc (1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855065029
• ISBN-13: 978-1855065024
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,990,539 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Philosophy of Matter and Void, April 7, 2002

By 

J. Grupp (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Atomism and Its Critics: From Democritus to Newton (Paperback)

Pyle's book Atomism is an astonishing masterpiece which details the history of the study of matter and voids from Zeno to Newton. The work details the debates of those who maintained that the foundational atomic material of nature is extended (Democritus, etc.) and those who maintained that the foundational atomic material cannot be extended and is thus unextended (Zeno, Galileo, Boscovish, etc.). Also, the work details the critically important debates over whether or not absolute perfect voids or nothingnesses exist. The implications of these questions are critical in the progression of philosophy, physics, and the study of matter. This book is a must for physicists, philosophers, chemists, ontologists, and mathematicians who are studiers of matter and seekers of the final atomic entity.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awesome, July 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Atomism and Its Critics: From Democritus to Newton (Paperback)

This is a great work in the history and philosophy of science. It is both authoritative and well written, highly recommended for anyone studying either philosophy (esp. 17th century) or the history of science, or just anyone who wants to know how we got from there to here (well, at least to Newton).

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars FROM DEMOCRITUS TO PYLE, September 4, 2000

By 

[e-mail] - See all my reviews

This review is from: Atomism and Its Critics: From Democritus to Newton (Paperback)

An excellent overview of most atomistic thought; unfortunately, it is strongly biased by Pyle's uncritical(!) acceptance of modern classical mathematics. This is not an unusual condition, but it does affect the descriptions of pros and cons for atomism. He also lumps atomistic thought too closely together, again, not an unusual method. This is an excellent "second" source book, but not one to use as an argument for or against atomism, logical or physical. If the choice were available, I would rate it at three and one half stars. It is worth the purchase cost for some one seriously interested in becomming aquainted with the philosophical thought surrounding atomism.