Final answer:
Atomistic Materialism is a belief that all things are composed of matter in the form of indivisible atoms, as suggested by Democritus, and it rejects any form of non-material substance. It is a type of Monism that has significant implications on spiritual and metaphysical concepts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atomistic Materialism is a philosophical viewpoint that asserts all things in existence are composed solely of matter, more specifically, indivisible particles called atoms. This view aligns with Monism, which posits that there is only one kind of substance in the universe. According to Atomistic Materialism, everything we experience is a result of the combinations and interactions of these atoms, dismissing the existence of any non-physical or non-material substances. The ancient Greek philosopher Democritus (~460-370 B.C.E.) is often credited with the early development of this concept, describing the fundamental nature of the universe as composed of uncuttable units, or 'atomos', amidst void.
The materialist tradition, as outlined by figures such as Democritus and further interpreted by later philosophers, drastically impacts the conception of entities such as god, souls, and angels, as it denies their existence if not material. Materialism, in its rejection of non-material substances, also challenges ideas associated with dualism and idealism. It presents a picture of reality where consciousness and mental processes are viewed as emergent properties of material interactions rather than separate entities.