We have seen that the concept of «atom of time» requires that of instant — the very same concept which Whitehead always rejected as early as in 19.19 (PNK 2f, 6 - 8; SMW 54, 172).2 Both concepts — «atom of time» and «instant» —
presuppose the notion of
simple location in time which Whitehead denounced as the most dangerous fallacy (SMW 84f, 98, 132).3 His whole doctrine of prehensions is incompatible with the doctrine of external relations which the atomization of time implies.