DemocritusB6TYLERKEYLON

Born in 460 BCE in Abdera, Democritus was one of two of the ancient atomic theory. Democritus was known as the "laughing philosopher" due to his emphasis on cheerfullness.
 * Overview**

In response to Parmenides theory that it is impossible for something to change without something coming from nothing, Leucippus and Democritus came up with the idea that something actually CAN come from nothing. This scientific theory was known as the ancient atomist theory. The atomists preached that there are small invisible bodies known as atoms that inhabit everything and move about an infinite void.
 * Atomic Theory**



Aristotle, a major contributor in philosophy, praised Democritus' work saying that it contributed to both natural and scientific philosophy.

Because little is known about the history of Democritus and his teacher Leucippus, it is hard to say whether or not this theory was "shot in the dark" or done using actual scientific method and deductive logic. A famous quote by the atomist, assures that “Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is opinion.”

Democritus also has been known to father the theory of the historical development of human communities. He believes in the gradual development of humans over time, and believes human life was originally like animals.
 * Other Contributions**

As for the soul, it is said that Democritus possibley doesn't believe in the soul's survival after death. According to Aristotle, Democritus related the soul to a fire atom, because he relates life to heat. Heat is a spherical atom that is readily mobile, thus causing the soul making motion. He also has been said to believe that thought is caused by the movement of atoms.

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