According to Democritus' perceptual theory, what do objects emit to aid perception?

The concept of eidola is central to Democritus' perceptual theory, which suggests that objects emit tiny, physical copies or images of themselves that he referred to as eidola. These eidola are thought to travel through the air and interact with the senses, allowing individuals to perceive the objects in their environment. This notion highlights an early attempt to explain perception through a physical process, establishing a connection between objects and how they are perceived by observers.

Democritus posited that the physical nature of these eidola could explain how we gain sensory information about the world. Consequently, this idea aligns with his atomistic view of the universe, where everything is composed of small particles. The term 'eidola,' derived from the Greek word for 'image,' illustrates how perception was conceived as a direct, albeit indirect, experience of reality through the emission of these particles.

In contrast, the other options, such as energy waves, sound waves, and visual shadows, do not accurately reflect Democritus' specific theory of perception. While energy and sound waves do play roles in modern understandings of sensory perception, they represent later scientific developments rather than the early philosophical insights offered by Democritus. Visual shadows could imply the absence of light