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    Boscovich's theory of point-particles demonstrates that a... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→Atoms cannot serve as the ultimate constituents that ground the reality of bodies.

    Boscovich's theory of point-particles demonstrates that a coherent atomism need not invoke extended atoms, thereby evading the divisibility regress entirely.

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    1 reason for
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    Reasons For

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    Reason for
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    • 1.Point-particles avoid infinite divisibility: unextended atoms cannot be divided further, eliminating the regress problem that plagues extended atomism.
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    • 2.Boscovich's force-based ontology explains macro properties through particle interactions, not particle composition, making extension unnecessary for physical coherence.
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    • 3.Modern physics validates point-particle models: quantum mechanics treats fundamental entities as point-like, suggesting Boscovich's approach was conceptually sound.
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    Reasons Against

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    ?
    • 1.Point-particles face their own regress: if unextended particles interact via forces, what grounds those forces? Pushing the problem back doesn't solve it fundamentally.
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    • 2.Spatial location requires extension: even point-particles occupy spacetime positions, raising questions about how genuinely unextended entities can be localized or individuated.
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    • 3.Boscovich's force-centered solution lacks explanatory closure: appealing to primitive forces between non-entities seems less parsimonious than extended atoms with intrinsic properties.
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    Related

    Atoms cannot serve as the ultimate constituents that ground the reality of bodie...Boscovich's force-based ontology explains macro properties through particle inte...Boscovich's force-centered solution lacks explanatory closure: appealing to prim...Modern physics validates point-particle models: quantum mechanics treats fundame...
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    Point-particles avoid infinite divisibility: unextended atoms cannot be divided ...Point-particles face their own regress: if unextended particles interact via for...Spatial location requires extension: even point-particles occupy spacetime posit...

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