PhD Position in Philosophy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Project
‘Changing Tools'; deadline: 30 September 2019



Project Title:  ‘Changing Tools: An In-Depth Study of the Development of
Isaac Newton’s Scientific Methodology, and its Impact and Significance’

 

The research project ‘Changing Tools: An In-Depth Study of the
Development of Isaac Newton’s Scientific Methodology, and its Impact and
Significance’ will run from 1 October 2019 to 2024 at the Centre for
Logic and Philosophy of Science (https://www.vub.be/CLWF/welcome/index.shtml) of the
Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The research project is funded by the Special
Research Fund of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (https://www.vub.ac.be/en/research#home). We are hiring
a doctoral student who will conduct his or her doctoral research under the
supervision of the PI of this project, Prof. dr. Steffen Ducheyne.

 

Project Description

 

The research proposal entitled ‘Changing Tools: An In-Depth Study of the
Development of Isaac Newton’s Scientific Methodology, and its Impact and
Significance’ seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the
mathematical physics and scientific methodology of Isaac Newton. This
research proposal seeks to contribute to the history of scientific
methodology, and hence to a better historical understanding of the
development of our scientific methods which are major accomplishments of
our scientific culture, and to a better understanding of how mathematics
establishes and secures knowledge claims in physics. This proposal centres
around three important goals: 1. to trace the development of Newton’s
scientific methodology from his early optical work in the 1670s to the
publication of the third edition of the Principia in 1726; 2. to explore
the impact of Newton’s scientific methodology on eighteenth-century
physics; and 3. to explicate what we can learn from Newton’s work about
the ability of mathematics to establish and secure knowledge claims in
physics. The PhD to be hired will work on 1. and 3. A longer version of the
project is available upon request.

 

Job Profile and Requirements

 

* The candidate has a strong interest in the history of science and
philosophy of science and is able to combine both approaches in his or her
doctoral research. Although no prior knowledge of seventeenth- or early
eighteenth-century physics is required, such knowledge will be considered
as a plus.

* The candidate will publish in international journals, present his or her
research at international conferences, become an active member of the
Centre for Logic and Philosophy Science, and assist e.g. in the
organization of workshops and conferences.

* The candidate has an MA degree.

* The candidate is able to independently read and translate Latin and has
excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

* The candidate is an enthusiastic team player and is self-propelling.

* The candidate is willing to travel abroad.

* The candidate’s doctoral research leads to a PhD dissertation which is
to be completed in a 4- to 4,5-year period.

* Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

 

Applications

 

Applications are welcomed in English. Please send:

(1) a cover letter describing your interest in and suitability for this PhD
studentship;

(2) a full curriculum vitae (including a copy of your MA diploma, the topic
of your MA dissertation, and the official list containing your MA grades);

(3) a letter of recommendation; and

(4) a representative writing sample (such as an extract from your MA
dissertation, a paper that you have written, etc.)

to steffen.ducheyne@vub.be
before Monday 30 September 2019. Short-listed candidates will be
interviewed (if necessary, via Skype).