Please note - Swinburne University of Technology

References
Boyden, S., Dovers, 5. and Shirlow, M. Our Biosphere Under Threat:
Ecological Realities and Australia's Opportunities. Melbourne, Oxford
University Press, 1990
Daly, H. and Cobb, J. For the Common Good: Redirecting the
Economy Toward Community; the Environmental, and a Sustainable
Future. 2nd edn, Boston, Beacon Press, 1994
Naess, A. Ecolog)! Communityand Lifestyle. Cambridge, Cambridge
University Press, 1989
* Not available to students who have previously passed
AH309 Special Topics in Philosophy.
*AH~I~ Natural Philosophy and the
Sciences
No. of hours per week: three hours
Prerequisites: two of AH200, AH201, AH202,
AH203, AH204, AH205, AH206, or approved
equivalent
Assessment: continuous
Subject aims and description
Science in the twentieth century is inaugurating one of the
most radical revolutions in thought in the history of humanity.
This subject examines this revolution and its implications. It
begins with a critical study of theories of scientific knowledge
to reveal the inextricable link between science and natural
philosophy - the quest to characterise the nature of physical
existence. It is then shown how the 'new physics' and the
'new biology' have abandoned the philosophy of nature on
which science has been based for the last three hundred
years, creating a new conception of physical existence which
is transforming our view of the cosmos, of life, and what it
means to be human. It is shown how these transformations
are enabling us to understand how we, as both natural and
cultural beings, are able to create science and achieve this
understanding of the world and ourselves. The subject
concludes by looking at science as a cultural process in which
humans are creating and transforming themselves and their
relationship to the rest of nature.
References
Bohm, D. and Peat, D.F. Science, Order; and Creativity Toronto,
Bantam Books, 1987
Chalmers, A. What is This Thing Called Science? 2nd edn, St. Lucia,
University of Queensland Press, 1982
* Not available to students who have previously passed
AH304 Philosophy of Science A.
*AH~I~ Knowledge, Science and Reality
No. of hours per week: three hours
Prerequisites: two of AHZOO, AH201, AH202,
AH203, AH204, AH205, AH206 or approved
equivalents
Assessment: continuous
Subject aims and description
The Instrumentalism/Realism debate. Can we have absolute
knowledge of the world? Is there such a thing as 'truth' or is
our knowledge always tentative and open to revision? What
effects have values, attitudes, perceptions, emotions and
belief systems on the scientific enterprise? E.g.
biotechnology, IVF. What are the consequences for the
sciences and social sciences? Among the authors whose
works will be considered are Dewey, Smart, Popper, Kuhn,
Ravetz.
Preliminary reading
Bronowski, 1. The Common Sense of Science. Harrnondsworth,
Penguin, 1960
Textbook
Kannegiesser, H. Knowledge andscience. South Melbourne,
Macmillan, 1977
References
Dewey, J. The Quest for Certainty New York, G.P. Putnam's Sons,
1960
Kannegiesser, H. Conception in the Test Tube. Melbourne, Macmillan,
1988
Kuhn, T. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. 2nd edn, Chicago,
University of Chicago Press, 1970
Popper, K. Conjectures and Refutations. 4th edn, London, Routledge
and Kegan Paul, 1972
Ravetz, J. Scientific Knowledge and its Social Problems.
Harmonsdworth, Penguin, 1973
Smart, J. Between Science and Philosophy New York, Random
House, 1968
* Not available to students who have previously passed
AH305 Philosophy of Science B.
~ ~ 1 0 2 Introduction to Japan - A
Cultural Overview
No. of hours per week: three hours
Prerequisites: nil
Assessment: continuous
Subject aims and description
This subject introduces historical and cultural topics of direct
relevance to the development of Japanese art forms, culture
and society. References in English are used.
Textbooks
Mason, R.H.P. and Caiger, J.G. A History ofJapan. North Melbourne,
Casell Australia, 1972
Stanley-Baker, J. Japanese Art. London, Tharnes and Hudson, 1984
References
Japanese Religion: A Survey by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Tokyo, New York, Kondasha International, 1981
Alex, W. Japanese Architecture. London, Studio Vista, 1968
C hilds, M.H. Rethinking Sorrow: Revelatory Tales of Late Medieval
Japan. Michigan, University of Michigan, 1991
Harvey, i? Brian Peter. An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings,
History and Practices. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1990
Hibbett, H. (ed.) Contemporary Japanese Literature. Tokyo, Tuttle,
1978
Ishida, E. Japanese Culture: A Study of Origins and Characteristics.
Tokyo University, Tokyo Press, 1974
Kishibe, S.H. The Traditional Music of Japan. Tokyo, Ongaku No Torno
Sha, 1984
Mulhern, C. (ed.) Heroic with Grace: Legendary Women of Japan.
New York, M.E. Sharp Inc., 1991
Perren, R. (compiler) Japanese Studies from Prehistory to 1990.
Manchester University Press, 1992
Putzar, E. Japanese Literature - A Historical Outline. Tucson,
University of Arizona Press, 1973
Sansom, G.B. Japan: A Short Cultural History. 2nd edn, New York,
Meredith, 1943, Repr. 1962
Seidensticker, E.G. Low Cit)! High City New York, Knopf, 1983