International Online Conference – Émilie Du Châtelet’s Scientific Methodology: Hypotheses and the Principles of Knowledge

23^rd/24^th of May 2024

Organized by Clara Carus, Head of the DFG-Research Project :The Relationship between the Theory of Hypotheses and the Principles of Knowledge in Émilie Du Châtelet at the Center for the History of Women Philosophers and Scientists

Keynote Address: Katherine Brading (Duke University)

Interest and scholarship on Du Châtelet has been growing exponentially recently. Many Du Châtelet scholars see her newfound scientific methodology at the heart of her philosophy. Du Châtelet developed an intriguing theory of hypotheses, elaborating on the scope, legitimacy, content and proper establishment of hypotheses. Furthermore, she put forward an account of knowledge on the basis of self-evident axiomatic principles of knowledge. In Du Châtelet’s scientific methodology the principles of knowledge and the theory of hypotheses stand in a compelling relation. Du Châtelet takes up important ideas from Descartes, Leibniz, Wolff, Locke and Newton (among others) and develops them further in her scientific methodology, while consciously distancing herself from other aspects of their works.

This workshop features some of the most prominent Du Châtelet scholars as well as international experts in Early Modern Methodology and is committed to exploring Du Châtelet’s scientific methodology in its content and historic significance. It will be a fun and inclusive event, which is open to students and faculty alike.

All are welcome and attendance is free. Please register at clara.carus@uni-paderborn.de with your name, email address and affiliation (if applicable).

In preparation to the conference read up on Ruth Hagengrubers works on Émilie du Châtelet’s Hypotheses.