atomism
UK[ˈætəmɪzəm]US[ˈætəmɪzəm]
n
A theory that physical reality is composed of simple, indivisible, and indestructible particles called atoms.
n
The doctrine that society arises from the actions and interests of individuals, rather than from a collective or organic whole.
Morpheme Breakdown
atom
ism
atom
indivisible particle
ism
system of belief
Etymology
The term 'atomism' is built upon the ancient Greek concept of the 'atomos', literally meaning 'uncuttable' or 'indivisible'. This foundational idea was proposed by pre-Socratic philosophers like Democritus to describe the ultimate, irreducible constituents of physical matter. The suffix '-ism' was later appended to form a noun signifying the philosophical doctrine or systematic theory based on this concept. Thus, the word's literal logic progresses from "indivisible unit" to "the theory of indivisible units," encapsulating a core scientific and philosophical worldview about the fundamental structure of reality.
Analysis
Structure: atom (indivisible particle) + ism (system of belief)
- atom: From Greek atomos, meaning 'uncut, indivisible'. In this word, it functions as the core concept of an indivisible unit.
- ism: A suffix from Greek -ismos, forming nouns denoting a system, principle, or doctrine. It indicates the word names a theoretical system.
Examples
Ancient Greek atomism proposed that all matter was composed of tiny, eternal particles moving in a void.
His political philosophy was criticized for its radical atomism, which overlooked the importance of community bonds.
Modern scientific atomism, while different in detail, inherits the basic idea that matter has a fundamental particulate structure.