HONR 302 Writing Assignment 2

Due Friday, March 1

In The Nature of Things (Book II, 478-480) Lucretius states:

“Since I have proved this point, I next move on

to its dependent theorem: that the atoms

exist in a finite number of different shapes.”

In a paper of 1-2 pages explain Lucretius’ argument that there are only finitely many different kinds of atoms (with regard to shape). He presents a proof but it needs a bit of clarification. His proof has a flaw but your first task is to give a sympathetic rendering of his reasoning. If you wish you may indicate any flaws you find in the argument but your main goal is exposition of his view.