„However, with all kinds of light rays emanating from the sun at the same time, the colours composing sunlight would be hidden for us, and all bodies would seem to us to be the same colour as sunlight, were the bodies not to act on the rays. So, the action of the bodies on the light is necessary for us to discover its colours.“ — Émilie Du Châtelet, On the Formation of Colours, Chapter IV
We are delighted to announce that the English translation of Émilie Du Châtelet’s scientific essay On the Formation of Colours is now available online and will serve as the core text for the third student session of the Libori Summer School 2025, taking place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
This early work demonstrates Du Châtelet’s engagement with Newton’s optical theory, while also reflecting her own critical contributions to the foundations of natural philosophy. In this chapter, Du Châtelet introduces key concepts of reflection, refraction, and the decomposition of white light—challenging older Aristotelian models and highlighting the explanatory power of mathematical physics and sensory analysis.
Throughout the day, participants will explore the scientific and philosophical dimensions of colour, beginning with the student session in the morning and continuing with three keynote lectures in the afternoon, featuring Bryce Gessell, Fritz Nagel, Andrew Janiak
The evening concludes with a shared dinner, offering space for reflection, exchange, and new connections.
Interested?
Join an international community of students and scholars at the Libori Summer School 2025 and take part in a week of lively discussion and discovery. Apply now – the deadline is August 15, 2025.
Send your application to: contact@historyofwomenphilosophers.org
All information about the program and registration can be found here.
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