136-417 Science in the Classical World

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in HPS, or a postgraduate coursework program.

In this subject selected issues, deemed central to the history of science and philosophy in the ancient Greek (and Roman) world, are studied at a moderately advanced level, via discussion of various primary and secondary texts. Though the exact content of the unit is to vary from year to year, typical topics might be the contrast between pre-socratic philosophy and its predecessors; early notions of mathematical proof; Plato's hostility to empiricism; Aristotle's account of matter; and Euclid and the axiomatic method. Students who successfully complete this subject will be capable of displaying an improved understanding of the above issues.

Written work totalling 4000 words, and a 1-hour class test.