Max Charlesworth

Hard and Soft Science

This essay considers the relationship between the 'hard' natural sciences and the 'soft' social sciences, and explores the ideologies and 'psychological factors' that inform the hard/soft distinction. To do this, it draws on ideas from Sigmund Freud and Max Weber. 

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Scientists and the Soul

This talk transcript by Max Charlesworth, which aired on ABC Radio National's 'Ockham's Razor' program in June 1998, discusses scientific attempts to demistify the nature of human consciousness and rationalise the concept of 'the soul'.

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Newspaper Clippings feat. Max Charlesworth

This artifact includes three separate articles published in the mainstream media that feature interviews and commentary from Max Charlesworth. The articles each address the Anthropological study of science, particularly in relation to research that was conducted by Charlesworth and other STS...Read more

Life Among the Scientists: Four Talks

This essay provides a brief overview of the 'anthropology of science', identifying key thinkers in the field and describing the methods through which anthropologists and sociologists study 'laboratory life'. It ends with a brief description of a Deakin University study of the Walter Eliza Hall...Read more

Max Charlesworth - Remarks on Teaching Methods at Deakin University

This essay, which was written in response to a paper by Dr. Jevon on teaching methods at Deakin University, reflects on the values and challenges of embracing interdisciplinary teaching, and considers the implications of 'off-campus' students and teaching, particular in relation to regional...Read more

Brave New Genetics?

This essay considers the politics of the 'eugenicist dream' of genetically engineering 'desireable' character traits and dispositions, particularly in relation to gender and sexuality. 

The artifact comes from the Max Charlesworth archive, currently held at Deakin University.Read more

The Anthropology of Science

This essay provides an overview of anthropology as a discipline and method, and argues that, while anthropology is often associated with an analysis of pre-scientific societies, it can be useful for exposing the 'myths' and 'rituals' of scientific communities. 

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Australian Aboriginal Philosophy

This essay identifies several key tenets of Australian Aboriginal 'folk philosophy'. It raises questions regarding the value of studying Aboriginal thought through Western conceptions of philosophy.  

The artifact comes from the Max Charlesworth archive, currently held at Deakin...Read more

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