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atomism
[ at-uh-miz-uhm ]
noun
- Also called atomic theory. Philosophy. the theory that minute, discrete, finite, and indivisible elements are the ultimate constituents of all matter.
- Psychology. a method or theory that reduces all psychological phenomena to simple elements.
atomism
/ ˈætəˌmɪzəm /
noun
- See atoman ancient philosophical theory, developed by Democritus and expounded by Lucretius, that the ultimate constituents of the universe are atoms See atom
- any of a number of theories that hold that some objects or phenomena can be explained as constructed out of a small number of distinct types of simple indivisible entities
- any theory that holds that an understanding of the parts is logically prior to an understanding of the whole Compare holism
- psychol the theory that experiences and mental states are composed of elementary units
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Derived Forms
- ˈatomist, nounadjective
- ˌatomˈistic, adjective
- ˌatomˈistically, adverb
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Other Words From
- atom·ist noun
- atom·istic atom·isti·cal adjective
- atom·isti·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins
Origin of atomism1
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Example Sentences
But in this instance the facts do not take us into atomism and anarchy.
It is said to be ethical atomism, pulverizing the order and dignity of morals.
Social atomism or individualism, therefore, implied a total misconception of what Mill calls the 'evolution of humanity.'
Epicurus, therefore, adopted the atomism of Democritus en bloc, or with trifling modifications.
Therefore he searched the past, and soon found what he wanted in the atomism of Democritus.
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