Epicurus · Philosophy

Atoms and the Swerve

Epicurus’ physics: he took Democritus’ atoms and void but added a single, momentous innovation - the <em>swerve</em> (<em>clinamen</em>), a tiny, unpredictable deviation in the fall of atoms that breaks strict determinism and makes room for free will.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that Epicurus adopted Democritus’ atoms and void but added the swerve ( clinamen ): atoms falling through the void occasionally deviate by the smallest amount at no fixed time or place, which breaks rigid determinism, allows atoms to collide and form worlds, and leaves room for free will. Explain the swerv…

Leads to Democritus.

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