Exploring the Early Works of Émilie Du Châtelet

LIBORI SUMMER SCHOOL
THE EARLY WORKS OF ÉMILIE DU CHÂTELET
8 – 12 September 2025 | CENTER FOR THE HISTORY OF WOMEN PHILOSOPHERS AND SCIENTISTS Paderborn University| All-day event in-person and hybrid

We are excited to announce the Libori Summer School 2025, dedicated to exploring the early works of Émilie Du Châtelet, one of the most influential women in the history of philosophy and science.

Led by Prof. Dr. Ruth Edith Hagengruber and organized by Dr. Jil Muller   with the support of Felix Grewe the Summer School invites Master’s and PhD students from around the world to engage in a collaborative, in-depth exploration of Du Châtelet’s early writings and intellectual legacy.

This year’s program offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the first digital and historical-critical edition of Du Châtelet’s early manuscripts—produced in collaboration with the National Library of Russia, Saint Petersburg. These texts, rich with philosophical insight and annotated by Du Châtelet herself, reveal how her thought shaped and was shaped by the major metaphysical debates of her time.

This year’s program will focus on Du Châtelet’s  early manuscripts, including:
The nature of liberty and free will: Chapter 5 On Liberty

Foundations of natural philosophy and metaphysics: Treatise on Metaphysics, Chapter 4 On the Formation of Colours, Chapter 6 On Grammar

Ethics and Enlightenment moral theory: Commentary on Mandeville’s Fable of the Bees

What to expect:

• Expert-led sessions on Du Châtelet’s philosophy, science, and ethics

• Keynote lectures by Linda Gardiner, Bryce Gessell, Ruth E. Hagengruber, Julia Jorati, Ulla Kölving, Pedro Pricladnitzky, Ana Rodrigues, and more

• Hands-on engagement with digital editions of early manuscripts

• Student-led workshops, presentations, and open discussion formats

• An inspiring academic environment for critical exchange and international networking

Application (for in-person participation with ECTS credits):

Eligibility:

• Master’s or PhD students in philosophy, history of science, or related fields

• Strong background in early modern philosophy

• Working knowledge of English (French is helpful)

Required documents:

• CV (max. 2 pages)

• Motivation letter (max. 2 pages), including a proposal for a student contribution (20-minute talk, poster, lightning talk, or group presentation)

Apply via the conference platform: https://indico.uni-paderborn.de/event/123/abstracts/#submit-abstract
Application Deadline: July 15, 2025

Registration for hybrid participation (without ECTS credits) will be available soon.

For updates, full program details, and further information, visit: historyofwomenphilosophers.org/libori-summer-school-2025