PhD Position in Philosophy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Project ‘Changing Tools'; deadline: 30 September 2019
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/
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 read and translate Latin and has good 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 before
Monday 30 September 2019. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed (if necessary, via Skype).