Aristotle and Democritus By Kartik Jevaji And Kris Tsang

Aristotle The Theory of Matter Who is this man?

Background BCE BCE Born in Stagira, Macedonia Born in Stagira, Macedonia Studied at Plato’s academy Studied at Plato’s academy Tutored Alexander the Great in Pella Tutored Alexander the Great in Pella Founded the Lyceum in Athens Founded the Lyceum in Athens

Aristotle’s Astronomy and Theories A finite, spherical universe, with the earth at its center. A finite, spherical universe, with the earth at its center. Four elements. Four elements. Heavier bodies of a given material fall faster than lighter ones if the shapes are the same (proven wrong by Galileo). Heavier bodies of a given material fall faster than lighter ones if the shapes are the same (proven wrong by Galileo). Earth is linear, and heaven is circular. Earth is linear, and heaven is circular. Ether Ether –Substance that fills all space (proven wrong). –Light passes through this

The Four Elements 1. Earth 2. Wind 3. Fire 4. Water What are they?

Democritus Who is this man?

Background BCE BCE Abdera, Thrace Abdera, Thrace The atomos The atomos –All things are composed of minute, invisible, indivisible particles of pure matter Everything is made of atoms Everything is made of atoms

Democritus Atoms of water were smooth, round, and unable to "hook" together so they roll over and over each other Atoms of water were smooth, round, and unable to "hook" together so they roll over and over each other He said that iron atoms have jagged, rough, and uneven edges, so they can hook together to form a solid. He said that iron atoms have jagged, rough, and uneven edges, so they can hook together to form a solid. He explained that even though all atoms are fundamentally the same that small differences make different matter. He explained that even though all atoms are fundamentally the same that small differences make different matter. He believed white things have surfaces made of smooth atoms, sour things consisted of needle-like atoms. He believed white things have surfaces made of smooth atoms, sour things consisted of needle-like atoms. Democritus also explained people's thoughts and senses with atoms. He said that when you see something, that a film of atoms thrown off an object enter your eye. He explains the concept of a soul by saying there were soul atoms. Democritus also believed that atoms can not be created, or perish.

Aristotle or Democritus? Because of the time, Democritus' atom theory seemed odd. People believed that their fate was steered by the gods of the Olympus. They were uncomfortable with the idea that everything is a product of atom collisions. Because of the time, Democritus' atom theory seemed odd. People believed that their fate was steered by the gods of the Olympus. They were uncomfortable with the idea that everything is a product of atom collisions. Plato and Aristotle did not like Democritus’ works. Plato and Aristotle did not like Democritus’ works. People believed Plato and Aristotle until John Dalton discovered the atom. People believed Plato and Aristotle until John Dalton discovered the atom. Neither Aristotle nor Democritus had experimental evidence. Neither Aristotle nor Democritus had experimental evidence. Who did the people of ancient Greece choose?

Summary Aristotle Aristotle –Everything made up of four elements –Believed by people Democritus Democritus –Everything is made of atoms –Criticized by people

Bibliography Leucippus and Democritus, available at accessed on 13 October, Leucippus and Democritus, available at accessed on 13 October, Atom, available at accessed on 13 October, Atom, available at accessed on 13 October, Aristotle, available at ?refid= , accessed on 13 October, Aristotle, available at ?refid= , accessed on 13 October, ?refid= ?refid= Democritus, available at ?refid= , accessed on 13 October, Democritus, available at ?refid= , accessed on 13 October, ?refid= ?refid=