The question of whether particles are made up of smaller particles is a fundamental aspect of particle physics and our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the universe. The answer to this question depends on the scale at which we examine the particles and the specific context in which we are discussing them.
In the framework of the Standard Model of particle physics, which describes the known elementary particles and their interactions, particles such as electrons, quarks, and neutrinos are considered fundamental and indivisible. They are not composed of smaller particles within the framework of the Standard Model.
However, in the realm of quantum field theory, particles can be understood as excitations of underlying quantum fields. These fields permeate all of space and can interact to produce different particles. In this sense, one could argue that particles emerge from the interactions of the underlying fields.
Furthermore, in certain theoretical frameworks, such as string theory, particles are not considered fundamental entities. Instead, they arise from the vibrational modes of tiny, one-dimensional strings. These strings can give rise to a spectrum of particles with different properties.
So, while particles are typically considered fundamental within the Standard Model, our understanding of the fundamental nature of particles and their composition is an active area of research in physics. The question of whether particles are made up of smaller particles is not inherently paradoxical, but rather it is an inquiry that depends on the specific theoretical framework and scale of investigation being considered.