The Destiny of Atomism in the Modern Science and the Structural Realism

Abstract

This article deals with Plato’s (mathematical) version of ancient atomism which in many respects anticipated the ideas of modern physics. The author relates mathematical atomism to so-called structural realism—which is now considered by many philosophers of science as the most defensible form of scientific realism. It is supposed in the paper that the association of structural realism with Plato’s atomism would make it possible to take out the latter from the sphere of speculative natural philosophy of antiquity and to place it in the frames of rational discussions about the structure of being. It is assumed that this association might clarify the problem of effectiveness of mathematics in scientific cognition.

Keywords:

• Plato’s (mathematical) Atomism
• Contemporary Atomism
• Sociology of Scientific Knowledge
• Cultural Context
• Inner Logic of the Development of Science
• Structural Realism
• Theory-change
• Argument of Pessimistic Induction
• Effectiveness of Mathematics in Scientific Cognition

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elena Mamchur

Elena Mamchur is Doctor of Philosophy and a leading research fellow, former head of department for philosophy of natural sciences.