ABSTRACT

ATOMISM AND INFINITE DIVISIBILITY
FEBRUARY 1994

RALPH E. KENYON JR.
B.A., B.S., MIAMI UNIVERSITY
M.A., PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY
M.S., OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
M.A, UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST

Ph.D., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
Directed by: Bruce Aune

This work analyzes two perspectives, Atomism and Infinite Divisibility, in the light of modern mathematical knowledge and recent developments in computer graphics. A developmental perspective is taken which relates ideas leading to atomism and infinite divisibility. A detailed analysis of and a new resolution for Zeno's paradoxes are presented. Aristotle's arguments are analyzed. The arguments of some other philosophers are also presented and discussed. All arguments purporting to prove one position over the other are shown to be faulty, mostly by question begging. Included is a sketch of the consistency of infinite divisibility and a development of the atomic perspective modeled on computer graphics screen displays. The Pythagorean theorem is shown to depend upon the assumption of infinite divisibility. The work concludes that Atomism and infinite divisibility are independently consistent, though mutually incompatible, not unlike the wave/particle distinction in physics.
A printed copy of this dissertation can be be ordered from University Microfilms International. Request order number 9420641.