136-517 Science in the Classical World

Formerly available as 136-417 and 136-065. Students who have completed 136-417 or 136-065 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours, 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.

• develop skills in written and oral communication;

• conduct independent research;

• make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

• form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting evidence.

A written class test of 1000 words 20% (in the last week of semester) and a 4000 word essay developed from a 15 minute class presentation 80% (due at the beginning of the examination period). The presentation is a non-assessed hurdle requirement.