A roundup of the latest literary offerings by Monash academics and alumni covers topics ranging from the settlement of Gippsland to the metaphysics of science fiction.

In his new book, author and Monash philosophy lecturer Dr Richard Hanley examines issues such as what it means to be human, whether it is possible to survive being "beamed" in a transporter device and whether a time traveller can change history or meet his or her younger self.

Filled with examples from all the best episodes, this book is for anyone who has found themselves replaying, alone or with a fellow trekker, an episode's philosophical challenges.

In addition to appealing to Star Trek fans, The Metaphysics of Star Trek is an accessible introduction to the world of philosophy for all readers.

Harper Collins (rrp $29.95)

The author's analysis of feminism in England includes an examination of the relationship between feminist thought and actions, and the wider social and cultural changes over two centuries.

The complex questions surrounding the concept of a feminist tradition are investigated, as are the problems of how to define feminism and the changing meanings of the term 'feminist'.

The book concludes with a discussion of the post-1980s emphasis on the importance of plurality and difference in the women's movement, and the need to think of 'feminisms' in the plural rather than any single kind of feminism.

Oxford University Press (rrp $34.95)

Ghosts in the Machine: Women and Cultural Policy in Canada and Australia looks at the relationship of gender to cultural planning, new media technologies, arts markets and women's careers, anti-racism, and official nationalism.

This policy analysis takes place within the context of Canada's and Australia's post-colonial histories, modernisation, and recent moves towards deregulation and privatisation in the cultural sector.

Editors Dr Annette Van den Bosch, a visual arts lecturer at Monash University, and Canadian academic Alison Beale have attempted to expose "the gendered and undemocratic nature of cultural policy" that has been used as "an instrument of national participation in global and regional markets such as ASEAN and APEC".

Garamond Press (rrp $37.50)

They argue that friendship is ess-ential for mental health, particularly in times of rapid marital, occupational and geographic change.

Substantiated by two years of research and more than 200 interviews, the book explores issues such as whether men and women can be just friends, whether you can be friends with your boss, or whether you can turn a lover into a friend -- and vice versa.

The book contains real-life scenarios and case studies, questionnaires and quizzes to help readers evaluate their friendship potential, as well as strategies to help build a circle of friends.

Harper Collins (rrp $17.95)

Friendship and sexual awakening as well as questions of social, religious and cultural identity are among the themes explored by contributors including Thea Astley, Donald Horne, Germaine Greer, Robert Hughes, Tim Winton and Sir Robert Helpmann.

The book is edited by Brenda Niall, a former reader in English at Monash University, and Ian Britain, a senior research fellow in the History department at Monash.

Oxford University Press (rrp $29.95)

This book by Dr Andrew Butfoy, a lecturer in international relations at Monash University, brings together an examination of the theory of common security with an analysis of the key defence-related aspects of the phenomenon for the first time since the end of the Cold War.

The author also examines the emergence of the related notion of cooperative security, and concludes that changes in military policy must be accompanied by changes in human rights, state-building, political culture, environmental protection and economic policy in order to bring about any far-reaching improvements in international security.

MacMillan Press (rrp $59.95)

In The Settling of Gippsland, Monash University academic Patrick Morgan maps the history of this distinctive region of Victoria -- from Aboriginal occupation to current regional developments -- and offers reasons for its change in fortunes.

Winner of the 1998 Victorian Community and Local History Award, The Settling of Gippsland was commissioned by the Gippsland Muncipalities Association.

The book serves as a general introduction to the Gippsland area for students, general readers and those interested in pursuing their understanding of the region's history.

Available from newsagents and Wellington Shire, Yarram, Victoria, 3971 (rrp $24.95)