English

Noun

corpuscularism ‎(uncountable)

1. (philosophy) Ideology that discusses reality and change in terms of particles (corpuscles) and their motion.

   The main difference between atomism and corpuscularism was the existence of the void. For Descartes, there could be no vacuum, and all matter was constantly swirling to prevent a void as corpuscles moved through other matter. Another key distinction between Descartes' corpuscularism and classical atomism is Descartes' concept of mind/body duality, which allowed for an independent realm of existence for thought, soul, and most importantly, God.

Related terms

• corpuscle