Corpuscularianism

Corpuscularianism is a philosophical theory that posits all matter is composed of fundamental, indivisible particles known as corpuscles. These corpuscles are thought to be eternal and unchangeable in their essence, but they can combine in various ways to form the diverse substances observed in the world. The theory emerged as a revival of atomism, particularly during the Scientific Revolution in Europe.

Proponents of corpuscularianism, such as Robert Boyle, argued that the observable properties of matter, like hardness, color, and taste, could be explained by the size, shape, and motion of these minute corpuscles, as well as the spaces between them. This approach offered a mechanistic explanation for natural phenomena, moving away from Aristotelian qualities and essences. Corpuscularianism provided a framework for understanding chemical and physical changes as rearrangements of these fundamental particles.

While distinct from modern atomic theory, corpuscularianism was a significant precursor. It emphasized empirical observation and mechanical explanation, laying groundwork for later developments in chemistry and physics. The idea of fundamental building blocks of matter, even if conceptualized differently, proved highly influential in the scientific and philosophical discourse of the 17th and 18th centuries, contributing to the mechanistic worldview that characterized the era.