Four-year PhD studentship ‘Newtonianism abounds in variety: Petrus van
Musschenbroek’s experimental methodology’ (1 January 2016 – 31
December 2019; full-time)   Based at the Free University of Brussels
(Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science; URL="< www.vub.ac.be/CLWF>) the project
‘Newtonianism abounds in variety: Petrus van Musschenbroek’s
experimental methodology’ runs from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019.
The research project is funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders
(FWO). The doctoral student will conduct his or her doctoral research under
the supervision of Prof. dr. Steffen Ducheyne (https://vub.academia.edu/SteffenDucheyne).  
Description of the research project   This research project will scrutinize
Petrus van Musschenbroek’s (1692-1761) physics (‘physica’,
‘natuurkunde’). Special attention will be paid to his scientific
methodology, on the one hand, and metaphysics and theology, on the other.
Musschenbroek was one of the most influential advocates of Newton’s
natural philosophy on the Continent. Surprisingly, there are few detailed
studies of his methodology, metaphysics and theology. The vast amount of
his manuscripts remains heavily understudied. Following his own statements,
many scholars have been led to believe that he was a follower of Newton’s
methodology without, however, providing detailed justification for this
claim. One of the overarching goal of this research proposal is to
explicate Musschenbroek’s scientific methodology and to determine whether
or not his methodology may be rightfully considered as ‘Newtonian’. The
promoter of this research project has recently provided a historically
detailed and systematically rich account of Newton’s methodology. In the
research project at hand, this account will be used to ascertain whether
Musschenbroek’s methodology was based on Newton’s methodology (and, if
so, to what extent) or whether he was relying on different methodological
traditions. Given its set-up, this research proposal will have significant
implications for the study of 18th-century diffusion of Newton's natural
philosophy in general. In addition to this, Musschenbroek’s metaphysical
and theological ideas will be explored. (The extended version of this
research proposal is available upon request.)   Eligibility   * The
candidate has a strong interest in the history and philosophy of science.
Although no prior knowledge of early eighteenth-century physics is
required, such knowledge will be considered as a plus.   * The candidate
has a Master’s degree in Philosophy, Classics, History or a Master’s
degree with clear affinity to the research project.   * The candidate is an
enthusiastic team player and is highly motivated.   * The candidate is
willing to travel abroad.   * The candidate is willing to publish in
international journals, to present his or her research at international
conferences, to engage actively in departmental life and research, and to
assist in the organization of workshops and conferences.   * The
candidate’s doctoral research leads to a PhD dissertation which is to be
completed in a four-year period.   * The candidate reads – if necessary,
with the help of dictionaries – Dutch and Latin and is willing to present
research results in English both orally and in writing. Translation work
(mainly Latin to English) will be an important research activity.   Offer  
* Opportunity to join an internationally oriented and expanding research
centre – situated in one of Europe's intellectual, political, economical
and cultural hubs – that runs a number of eighteenth-century projects.  
* A four-year contract as a full time scientific member of Vrije
Universiteit Brussel.   * Opportunity to follow an individualized
PhD-programme at the university’s Doctoral School of Human Sciences.   *
Extra benefits: free public transport between home and campus, biking fee,
access to university sports facilities and university restaurants.   How to
apply   Please send (1) a cover letter describing your interest in and
suitability for this PhD studentship, (2) a full curriculum vitae
(including the topic of your MA dissertation and a complete list of your MA
grades), (3) at least one letter of recommendation, and (4) a
representative writing sample (such as an extract from your MA
dissertation) to steffen.ducheyne@vub.ac.be
before 31 October 2015. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed (if
necessary, via Skype). A decision will be made soon after the deadline.