God and the Atom

Victor J. Stenger's *God and the Atom* offers a compelling journey through the history of atomism, tracing this fundamental scientific hypothesis from its ancient origins in the ideas of Democritus and Indian philosophers to the cutting edge of modern physics with the discovery of the Higgs boson. Stenger masterfully argues that the concept of atoms and the void represents one of science's most successful and enduring explanations for the nature of reality. He highlights the tenacity of this idea, which persisted for centuries, often challenging prevailing dogma and lacking direct empirical evidence until the advent of technologies like the scanning tunneling microscope. The book delves into the foundational figures of atomism, including Leucippus, Democritus, Epicurus, and Lucretius, showcasing how their seemingly radical notions of indivisible particles faced considerable opposition from influential thinkers like Aristotle, Christian theologians, and even some later scientists and philosophers. This work firmly establishes *God and the Atom* as a standout among Victor J. Stenger's best books due to its characteristic clarity, rigorous scientific exposition, and Stenger's signature exploration of the intersection between science and philosophy, particularly his examination of the challenges science poses to traditional religious beliefs. Stenger, known for his accessible explanations of complex physics and his nuanced discussions of atheism and naturalism, uses atomism as a lens to explore the historical and philosophical implications of scientific discovery. He adeptly navigates the arguments against atomism and contrasts them with the overwhelming modern evidence, while also thoughtfully addressing the stance of theists who accept the scientific evidence but demur from the atheistic conclusions some draw from it. The book exemplifies Stenger's commitment to making sophisticated scientific concepts understandable and relevant to a broad audience, while simultaneously engaging in critical inquiry about the worldview that emerges from scientific understanding.