Democritus (c. 460–370 BCE)

Question 1

Where was Democritus born?

Answer 1

Democritus was born in Abdera, Thrace.

Question 2

Who was Democritus’ teacher?

Answer 2

Leucippus was Democritus’ teacher.

Question 3

What is Democritus most famous for?

Answer 3

Democritus is most famous for developing the atomic theory.

Question 4

What are atoms according to Democritus?

Answer 4

Atoms are tiny, indivisible particles that make up everything in the universe.

Question 5

During which time period did Democritus live?

Answer 5

Democritus lived during the Classical period of Ancient Greece, around 460-370 BCE.

Question 6

Which famous philosopher opposed Democritus’ ideas?

Answer 6

Plato opposed Democritus’ ideas and allegedly wanted to burn his writings.

Question 7

Why was Democritus known as the ‘Laughing Philosopher’?

Answer 7

Democritus was called the ‘Laughing Philosopher’ because he was cheerful and believed in finding joy in life through intellectual inquiry.

Question 8

How did Democritus view the universe?

Answer 8

Democritus viewed the universe as composed of atoms moving in a void, governed by natural laws.

Question 9

What was one of Democritus’ contributions to ethics?

Answer 9

Democritus contributed to ethics by promoting eudaimonism, the idea that happiness comes from moderation and intellectual growth.

Question 10

What was Democritus’ view on divine intervention in the natural world?

Answer 10

Democritus believed that natural phenomena occurred due to the movement of atoms and not divine intervention.

Question 11

Which field besides philosophy did Democritus contribute to?

Answer 11

Democritus contributed to geometry and mathematics.

Question 12

What nickname did Democritus earn for his cheerful outlook?

Answer 12

Democritus earned the nickname ‘the Laughing Philosopher.’

Question 13

Which philosopher’s school of thought adopted Democritus’ atomic theory?

Answer 13

The Epicureans adopted and adapted Democritus’ atomic theory.

Question 14

What was a significant challenge Democritus faced in his time?

Answer 14

Democritus faced opposition from mainstream Greek philosophy, particularly from Plato, whose idealism contrasted with Democritus’ materialism.

Question 15

What did Democritus believe was the path to happiness?

Answer 15

Democritus believed that happiness came from moderation, rational thinking, and intellectual growth.

Question 16

How did Democritus influence future scientific thought?

Answer 16

Democritus’ atomic theory laid the groundwork for modern atomic science and influenced thinkers like Isaac Newton and John Dalton.

Question 17

What amusing story about Democritus highlights his dedication to learning?

Answer 17

A story claims that Democritus blinded himself to avoid distractions, though this is likely apocryphal.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Democritus’ theory that everything is made of tiny, indivisible particles is called _____.

Answer 18

atomic theory

Question 19

How did Democritus differ from philosophers who explained the universe through mythology?

Answer 19

Democritus used a mechanistic view, explaining the universe through atoms and natural laws rather than mythological stories.

Question 20

What did Democritus believe governed the motion of atoms?

Answer 20

Democritus believed that atoms were governed by necessity and natural laws, not by gods.

Question 21

Which war was occurring during Democritus’ lifetime that shaped Greek society?

Answer 21

The Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta shaped Greek society during Democritus’ life.

Question 22

Which concept in Democritus’ philosophy tried to explain that the soul is also made of atoms?

Answer 22

Democritus believed that the human soul was composed of fine, smooth atoms.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Democritus’ ideas were later revived during the _____.

Answer 23

Enlightenment

Question 24

Fill in the blank: The Greek word ‘atomos’ means _____.

Answer 24

indivisible