Customer Reviews

Atomism and Its Critics: From Democritus to Newton

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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).

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.

I would love to read this book but it's too expensive. If you want to read a good history of atomic theory for less money I suggest Bernard Pullman's The Atom in the History of Human Thought.