Question

Explain why scientists find the particulate matter of theory useful

Answer 1

This idea has historical significance. The ancient Greek philosopher Democritus (born 460 BCE), who held that everything is composed of small particles moving in empty space, is credited with developing the first hypothesis we have about the microscopic universe. He had some concrete proof for this, such the fact that items like a new loaf of bread or a rose may give off a scent even when they are far from the source. Being a materialist, he thought that these odors originated from actual material particles released by the bread or the rose, rather than being purely a type of magic. He reasoned that these particles must float through the air, with some of them maybe landing in your nose where you can smell them immediately. This still makes sense in modern times. But many of us now have quite different perspectives on these "particles."

Thank you,

Eddie