korpuskulären

Korpuskulären is a term derived from the Latin word "corpusculum," meaning "small body." In physics and philosophy, it generally refers to the idea that matter is composed of discrete, indivisible particles. This concept is fundamental to corpuscular theory, which contrasts with continuous theories of matter.

Historically, ancient Greek philosophers like Democritus proposed atomism, suggesting that all matter consists of tiny, eternal, and unchanging particles called atoms, with the void between them. This early form of corpuscularism laid the groundwork for later scientific developments. In the 17th century, Robert Boyle and Pierre Gassendi revived and refined corpuscular ideas, distinguishing between atoms and molecules and applying the concept to explain chemical and physical phenomena.

The corpuscular theory of light, proposed by Isaac Newton, posited that light consists of tiny particles, or corpuscles, that are emitted by luminous bodies and travel in straight lines. This theory explained reflection and refraction but struggled to account for phenomena like diffraction and interference, which were later better explained by the wave theory of light. Modern physics, particularly quantum mechanics, has reconciled these seemingly opposing views, describing light and matter as having both wave-like and particle-like properties (wave-particle duality). Therefore, while the original concept of simple, indivisible corpuscles has evolved, the underlying idea of matter being fundamentally particulate remains a cornerstone of our understanding of the universe.