Logic List Mailing Archive

PhD student position on Newton's Scientific Methodology, Brussels (Belgium), Deadline: 30 Sep 2019

PHD POSITION IN PHILOSOPHY AT VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL

   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 [3]) 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 [4]). 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).
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