Corpuscularianism

Corpuscularianism is a scientific and philosophical theory that posits the universe is fundamentally composed of tiny, indivisible particles, or corpuscles. These particles, with their distinct shapes, sizes, and motions, interact to create all observable phenomena, from the solidity of a rock to the flow of a river. This contrasts with other theories, such as those proposing continuous matter, and it often aligns with mechanistic worldviews, emphasizing a deterministic and predictable universe governed by physical laws. It is a precursor to modern atomic theory, though its understanding of the nature and behavior of these corpuscles was limited by the technology available at the time.

Corpuscularianism meaning with examples

• Early proponents of corpuscularianism like Robert Boyle attempted to explain chemical reactions and properties by the arrangement and interaction of corpuscles. Their work focused on breaking things down. They did not possess modern tools, and their successes included better explaining gas behavior and material phases.
• Seventeenth-century scientists embraced corpuscularianism as a framework to explain a range of natural phenomena, from the propagation of light to the function of the human body. By positing particles, or little 'lumps', of different configurations, they could model most phenomena in terms of physical actions.
• Isaac Newton's development of his theory of light, which he described as a 'corpuscular' emanation, was a key moment for corpuscularianism. Light was, for Newton, a shower of fast-moving particles. His ideas provided an important insight into the properties of light.
• The transition from alchemy to modern chemistry, the emphasis on observation and experiment, and the concept of universal physical laws helped corpuscularianism develop. This framework, with its emphasis on reductionism, was hugely influential for later developments.
• Although limited by technological constraints, corpuscularianism laid the foundations for the development of atomic theory. Examining the very structure of things was very important, with this mindset shaping modern science and its understanding of the universe.