Glossary

Metaphysical Foundations

• Atomism (Ἀτομισμός) – The philosophical view that all that exists are atoms and void. Atoms are indivisible, eternal particles that move randomly in the void, forming compounds through accidental collisions.

  • Developed as a response to Parmenides, affirming that change and motion are real.

  • Metaphysical Implication: Everything, including the soul, gods, and natural phenomena, can be explained materialistically.

  • Political & Ethical Implications – If everything happens due to physical causes, then luck plays a bigger role in success than effort or virtue.

• Materialism – The belief that everything that exists is physical; i.e., minds, souls, and even gods are made of matter.

  • Contrast with Dualism – Dualists (like Plato) believe in a non-physical soul that can exist independently of the body.

  • Religious Implications – Since God is traditionally seen as non-physical, materialism is often linked to atheism or skepticism.

  • Non-atomist versions of materialism — Although atomism and materialism might seem like synonyms, there are non-atomistic versions of materialism, as we will see when we cover Stoicism.

Ethical & Psychological Concepts

• Eudaimonic Ethics (Ηθική Εὐδαιμονία) –

  • An approach to ethics that emphasizes character development and living "the good life."

  • Contrast with Modern Morality – Unlike modern ethical systems (e.g., Kantianism or Utilitarianism), which focus on right and wrong actions, eudaimonic ethics focuses on flourishing.

• Ataraxia (Ἀταραξία) – A state of undisturbedness, tranquility, or equanimity.

  • Key ethical goal for Atomists, Epicureans, Pyrrhonian Skeptics, and Stoics.

  • Achieved through:

    • Moderation – Avoiding excessive desires or ambitions.

    • Mindset Training – Cultivating gratitude, self-awareness, and a detachment from unnecessary worries.

• Euthumiē (Εὐθυμία) – A term closely related to ataraxia, meaning cheerfulness, good-spiritedness, or inner contentment.

  • Democritus believed euthumiē was the essence of eudaimonia (flourishing).

  • Tranquility = Flourishing → Unlike Aristotle, who saw external conditions as crucial for happiness, Democritus argued that a person’s mindset is what truly determines happiness.

• The Laughing Philosopher –

  • Democritus was famously known for laughing at human folly and absurdity.

  • His laughter was not cruel or cynical but rather an expression of wisdom and detachment.

  • Philosophy as Therapy – He believed philosophy should help people achieve peace of mind.

Practical Ethical Principles

• Minimalism in Desires –

  • “Don’t do too much.” Seeking excessive wealth, power, or pleasure leads to dissatisfaction and anxiety.

  • Epicurean Connection – Like Epicurus, Democritus argues that eliminating unnecessary desires leads to tranquility.

  • Example: A person who constantly wants more money or fame will never be content. A person who cultivates satisfaction with a simple life will be at peace.

• Self-Awareness & Personal Limits –

  • Know what you are truly capable of and don’t overreach.

  • Democritus’ Advice: “One should not choose beyond their capabilities and nature.”

  • Example: Instead of chasing socially imposed ideals (money, power, fame), reflect on what actually brings you fulfillment.

• Understanding the Role of Luck –

  • Many of our successes depend on luck (e.g., being born in a wealthy family, good health, access to education).

  • Overestimating one’s personal agency leads to arrogance.

  • Ethical Implication: Those who recognize their own luck should be more charitable to those who have less.

• Philosophy as a Way of Life –

  • Philosophy is not just an intellectual exercise; it’s a training method for living well.

  • Mindfulness & Reflection – “One must have the right frame of mind to see the world in the right way.”

  • Helping Others as a Path to Inner Peace – Altruism is not just about helping society but is also a path to personal tranquility.

Sociopolitical Themes in Democritus

• The Importance of Charity & Social Harmony –

  • Since luck plays a major role in life, we should help the less fortunate instead of assuming they “deserve” their suffering.

  • Example: “Those who feel pleasure at their neighbors’ misfortunes fail to understand that the results of luck are common to all.”

  • Contrast with Meritocracy – Democritus' view undermines the idea that success is purely earned.

• Justice as an Internal Guide, Not Just External Law –

  • Unlike Plato and Aristotle, who believed in punishments to enforce morality, Democritus argued that moral training should make laws unnecessary.

  • “No one should have a sense of shame before others more than a sense of shame before himself.”

  • Internalized Ethics – People should follow ethical principles because they understand them, not out of fear of punishment.

• Poverty & Wealth as Psychological States –

  • “Poverty and wealth are names for need and satisfaction.”

  • Happiness is about contentment, not material possessions.

  • Radical Idea for the Time: This suggests that anyone can be "rich" if they train their mind to need less.

Scientific & Philosophical Influence

• Democritus vs. Plato & Aristotle –

  • Plato disliked Democritus so much that he allegedly wanted all his books burned.

  • Aristotle criticized Democritus' materialism but acknowledged that his ideas had merit.

• Legacy in Science & Philosophy –

  • Anticipated modern atomic theory (though in a crude form).

  • Inspired later materialists (e.g., Epicurus, Lucretius, 18th-century Enlightenment thinkers).

  • His views on ethics influenced Stoicism and Epicureanism.

Words You Might Not Know

• Void (Κενόν) – The empty space in which atoms move and interact.

• Euthumiē (Εὐθυμία) – A cheerful, tranquil state of mind, closely linked to ataraxia.

• Hedonism (Ἡδονή) – The ethical view that pleasure is the highest good.

• Meritocracy – A system where success is based solely on ability and effort (which Democritus challenges by emphasizing luck).

• Causal (or Cosmic) Determinism – The idea that everything follows necessary physical laws—a concept aligned with Democritus’ atomism.

• Reductionism – The attempt to explain complex phenomena in terms of simpler components (e.g., explaining thought as just the movement of atoms in the brain).

• Epicureanism (Ἐπικουρισμός) – A later philosophical school inspired by Democritus, emphasizing pleasure, tranquility, and materialism.