Atomic theory is pseudoscience. It is completely unproven: nobody has ever observed an “atom” under laboratory conditions. Rationalisations like track marks in “particle” colliders are little more than ad hoc excuses.
Atomic theory is inconsistent with physics, that says that bodies are attracted to each other through the universal law of gravitation. If we’re really made up of little “particles” (ie. little bodies), shouldn’t they all just gravitate together? Wouldn’t everything our bodies are made of just fall down?
Atomic theory postulates that living things are made of dead matter — a scientific impossibility.
Atomic theory is immoral and is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths (in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and other places), as well as the existential risk of humanity’s utter destruction (from nuclear proliferation) and the devastation of the environment from nuclear powerplants.
Atomic theory is hopelessly incomplete: claiming that everything is made of atoms is only half the story. Where did those atoms come from?
Atomic theory hopelessly undermines the moral fabric of society. If we’re just made of billiard balls than anything goes. I do not have a rational reason to eat or survive let alone help others.
If we’re just made of billiard balls then all the choices we make are just illusions. Since the choices we make are not illusions, this defeats atomic theory by the important principle of reductio ad absurdum
The realm of modal logic and possible worlds proves atomic theory to be false. It is certainly imaginable that I am not made of atoms, in fact it would require tremendous violence to reason to imagine otherwise. However, this means that it is conceivable that I am not made of atoms. Since it is conceivable, there is a possible world where I am not made of atoms. This means atomic theory would at best not be necessary but contingent. However, since all scientific theories speak of truths that are necessary a posteriori truths (as shown by Kripke), atomic theory is, ipso facto, not science.
Atomic theory is nonsensical in its treatment of atoms. According to atomic theory, atoms could not have colours since an atom is much smaller than the wavelength of visible light. However, try to imagine something without a colour. Note that it cannot be black (ie. no colour reflected) or white (all colours) but must literally be of NO colour. This shows atomic theory to be impossible.
Atomic theory has been falsified by basic economics. If a human being is made of the same “particles” as a piece of poo, just in different arrangements then it is only the arrangement that gives something its value. However, if this were true then the market value of (say) gold would plummet — in fact the value of everything would eventually come to an equilibrium (akin to maximum entropy in thermodynamics). This has shown not to be the case.
Does anyone else know any other reasons (as if we need them!) to reject the theory just so I can add them to the list?
13 comments ↓
first to see if i can really leave a comment…
Ok, so your analysis of atomic theory is completely ridiculous. There is no scientific inquiry here. It is pathetic to call it pseudoscience. First of all, it’s silly to say “atomic theory”. It’s been a long time since particles smaller than atoms were discovered. They are called electrons, protons, and neutrons. It is better referred to as quantum physics, referring to the quantum particles that are smaller than the atom. phew. are you with me still? good.
Quantum physics explains everything from chemistry to thermodynamics to electricity. The very computer you typed this insane rambling on is powered by something you claim not to believe in.
I was going to pick apart your writing, but that would take way too much time since almost every statement you made was unscientific and obviously based on opinions or some spiritual feelings.
Ok i’ll do one.
You said that atomic theory postulates that we are all made up of dead matter. I’m lost here, did u once think little gremlins inside our bodies turn wheels and push buttons to keep us going? No where in quantum theory is there anything about “dead matter”. It is a theory about the basic building blocks of life.
Quick lesson.
Atom: a dense nucleus of protons/neutrons surrounded by a cloud of electrons. Atoms with different numbers of protons make up the elements (you know, that periodic table thing that is always in books and stuff)
The structure and nature of elements have been tested and proven, i dunno, probably hundreds of thousands of times. The elements react together to form molecules. Molecules react to form matter. Matter forms and clumps and reacts with other matter to make up EVERYTHING. Yes, everything on earth and in what we know about space (rocks, plants, water, humans, the sun, jupiter, plastics, air, beer, monkeys, the oceans, fire…and so on, and so on).
Maybe this is too complicated for you. Besides, I’m just going off what i’ve learned-not opening a book to write this. Thats your job.
Before you spread anymore anti-science crap on the internet, i suggest you do your homework. People are already illiterate in basic science, please don’t make it worse.
Ashley, nice rebut to an ignorant pseudo-scientist. Trouble is, this was clearly satire, and nicely done, I’d say. It so clearly mimicks the inane “reasoning” they use while posturing and feigning outrage at those arrogant elites (actual scientists) Thanks, Michael, for the chuckle.
Atomic theory is based on quantum mechanics, which is a system of differential equations. But differential equations are based on the assumption that space and time are infinitely divisible. Since an actual infinite is impossible, space and time cannot be infinitely divisible, and so quantum mechanics must be wrong.
Hey, this is fun!
Atomic theory says atoms are systems of electrons, quarks, etc. But for any system of such particles, it is an open question whether that system is, in fact, an atom. Therefore we cannot identify any such system with an atom. So an atom cannot be merely a system of electrons and quarks.
I agree. Atomic theory is pseudoscience. The theory of evolution is also pseudoscience. Indeed, nobody has ever observed a monkey turn into a human, so all this nonsense is coming from people who don’t like to see the Truth. On the other hand, the brother-in-law of the second cousin of my third aunt’s second husband has been to the creation museum http://creationmuseum.org/ and has actually SEEN humans walk and side-to-side with dinosaurs. This is science, not the other crap.
The earliest version of atomic theory was thought up by the ancient Greeks, who owned slaves. Are we really so primitive, in the 21st century, and after everything the civil rights movement has achieved, that we would hand over authority about science to people who had such contempt for human rights?
I am respectfully interacting with you, in that (without streamlining the various scientific disciplines many could state) ‘MAYBE’ all matter is magnetic field/light wave combinations of different intensities/strengths and forms/configurations: I realise what I have written is soooooo vague – unfortunately (‘due to the specific project I am presently completing for a formal organisation) I am not supposed to explain anything (naughty ME) – however you all seem nice people, curious and with good-hearted sense of humours; and enjoy lively discussions: (I put forward magnetic fields, within magnetic fields recurring – coupled with variable/numerous fields of other identities can………………………………….form matter in solid form (experiment…. have fun) Nothing satisfies MORE than observing unusual phenomena for YOURSELVES.
Atomic theory states that everything is made up of mostly space, but this is clearly nonsense otherwise my fingers would go cleat through the keyboard as I typed this.
Atomic theory suggests that everything is made of ‘billiard balls’ so all edges would be bumpy – explain rulers!
If everything is made of atoms then explain why light can pass through glass but not wood? Do wood atoms contain more ‘matter’ to block the light than glass atoms. Utter gibberish.
Hey, it is a just “theory” so that ought to show you it is a nonsense from the get-go.
Anfractuous — I wouldn’t say this post was “clearly” satire — as a corollary to Poe’s law, for every bit of satire I wrote someone must exist out there who believes it in all seriousness! So I don’t think Ashley did anything too unusual. For a real example of a real Poe who believes all that stuff, just look at any post on http://jewishphilosopher.blogspot.com/
Also, my ultimate aim is to compile a list that hits every logical fallacy and [the equivalent of] every creationist talking point
I had a feeling this might be fake – but just in case. The stupidity of people never ceases to amaze me.
There are people out there that think protein is a conspiracy created by the gov to get people to buy protein powder.
yay. you gotta watch out for that shit.
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