MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS

Arts Undergraduate Handbook 1996

Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996

CHC2250

Atoms and the solar system: two studies in ancient Greek science

P J Bicknell

Synopsis We know that matter is made up of atoms and that the earth and other planets orbit around the sun. Thinkers of ancient Greece reached the same conclusion well before the Christian era. They were unable to convince their contemporaries and only centuries later did the views that now prevail become scientific orthodoxy. The subject examines the earliest versions of the atomic and heliocentric hypotheses and attempts to account for their failure to win assent.

Assessment Written (4000 words): 50% + Examination (2 hours): 50%

Prescribed text

• A collection of readings available from the Department of Greek, Roman and Egyptian Studies