The physical theory of kalām : atoms, space, and void in Basrian Muʿtazilī cosmology
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The physical theory of kalām : atoms, space, and void in Basrian Muʿtazilī cosmology
（Islamic philosophy, theology, and science, v. 14）
E.J. Brill, 1994
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Note
Based on author's doctoral dissertation--Harvard University, 1991
Bibliography: p. [195]-201
Includes index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
This book reconstructs the theories of matter and space of the mutakallimun of the tenth and eleventh centuries A.D. It uses texts which have only recently become available.
The book presents material which challenges our previous understanding of kalam atomism. In particular, it analyzes the concept of atoms as a 'space-occupying object' without dimension yet having magnitude. It examines the manner of the atom's occupation of space, and discusses arguments for and against unoccupied spaces or the void.
A detailed examination of the paradoxical nature of such an atom follows. The argument is made that a 'discrete' rather than a 'continuous' conception of space, matter, time, motion and indeed geometry underlies kalam physical theory. In this respect, the kalam atom is similar to the Epicurean minimal part.
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