Abstract

This study examines how the concept of nomos, which held an important position in the ancient Greek world, was established in the fragments of Democritus. The concept of nomos corresponds to the meanings of ‘law, tradition, custom’. The use of the concept of nomos appears in the earliest texts expressing early Greek thought. This concept, which has a wide range of applications, is also found in the fragments of the natural philosophers. Democritus, who is classified among the natural philosophers, is a philosopher who came to the fore with his atomic theory. When Democritus’ fragments are examined, it is evident that the concept in question is frequently used. The study first examines the historical development of the concept of nomos from the texts of Homer and Hesiod to the period of Democritus. In addition to including fragments containing his views on the atomic theory, Democritus also addresses ethical and political issues. The analysis conducted within the scope of Democritus’ fragments shows that he approaches the concept of nomos in its ontological and ethical dimensions. In the ontological context, nomos reflects the idea that the secondary qualities of atoms are relative; nomos is seen as an artificial phenomenon, a form of order imposed on nature. In its ethical usage, nomos is seen as a principle of order that, alongside the persuasive power and act of advising to guide people towards virtue, has an external coercive power in the background.