Are you fascinated by the history of ideas in the Arab world? By how the Arabic language developed in the modern age? By its discourse on ethics and how it has affected society? In this funded PhD position, you will research the modern history of the concept of ethics in Arabic. You will be mentored by a team of experts, gain access to university-wide, Dutch, and EU grant opportunities, and network with scholars across the globe.

The concept of ethics has played a pivotal role in modern Arabic discourse: from politicians invoking it as ’the primary deciding factor’ of national progress, to philosophers claiming it as the essence of Islamic ‘reason’, to TV shows instructing the public about ethical conduct. In this project you will study the development of the modern Arabic concept of ethics (akhlāq), investigating the history of moral terms and their use in intellectual, political, literary and other fields. Understanding this history is vital to understanding how ethics was articulated and, more broadly, how conceptualisations and re-conceptualisations of ethics were spread and transformed through educational, religious and political discourses to lay the groundwork for different conceptions of modern subjectivity.

The primary resources envisioned for this study are the Arabic journals and newspapers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries (circa 1870-1950) which were a hotbed of intellectual and linguistic innovation. The main theoretical and methodological lens of the project is that of conceptual history. The concept of ethics is very broad, however, and within these bounds you are free to explore different research questions – e.g. focusing on how the concept of ethics was articulated in different religious and political discourses, how ethical terminology was translated, or how concepts of ethics were disseminated. You are also free to argue which journals, during which era are most appropriate for your project and you may suggest other sources as supplements. We are especially eager to receive proposals that suggest innovative interdisciplinary and interlinguistic approaches and make use of the growing opportunities offered by digital conceptual history.

Vivienne Matthies-Boon, professor at the Department of Philosophical Ethics and Political Philosophy, will be your promotor. Your daily supervisor will be Dr Harald Viersen, Assistant Professor at the Department of Islam, Politics and Society (IPS), who specialises in the modern history of ideas in the Middle East. A third supervisor will be assigned depending on the nature of the project.

The project will be funded by a Starter Grant awarded by the Faculty of Philosophy, Theology, and Religious Studies to dr. Harald Viersen. You will have a 10% teaching task.

Question

Are you fascinated by the history of ideas in the Arab world? By how the Arabic language developed in the modern age? By its discourse on ethics and how it has affected society? In this funded PhD position, you will research the modern history of the concept of ethics in Arabic. You will be mentored by a team of experts, gain access to university-wide, Dutch, and EU grant opportunities, and network with scholars across the globe.

The concept of ethics has played a pivotal role in modern Arabic discourse: from politicians invoking it as ’the primary deciding factor’ of national progress, to philosophers claiming it as the essence of Islamic ‘reason’, to TV shows instructing the public about ethical conduct. In this project you will study the development of the modern  Arabic concept of ethics  (akhlāq), investigating the history of moral terms and their use in intellectual, political, literary and other fields. Understanding this history is vital to understanding how ethics was articulated and, more broadly, how conceptualisations and re-conceptualisations of ethics were spread and transformed through educational, religious and political discourses to lay the groundwork for different conceptions of modern subjectivity.

The primary resources envisioned for this study are the Arabic journals and newspapers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries (circa 1870-1950) which were a hotbed of intellectual and linguistic innovation. The main theoretical and methodological lens of the project is that of conceptual history. The concept of ethics is very broad, however, and within these bounds you are free to explore different research questions – e.g. focusing on how the concept of ethics was articulated in different religious and political discourses, how ethical terminology was translated, or how concepts of ethics were disseminated. You are also free to argue which journals, during which era are most appropriate for your project and you may suggest other sources as supplements. We are especially eager to receive proposals that suggest innovative interdisciplinary and interlinguistic approaches and make use of the growing opportunities offered by digital conceptual history.

Vivienne Matthies-Boon, professor at the Department of Philosophical Ethics and Political Philosophy, will be your promotor. Your daily supervisor will be Dr Harald Viersen, Assistant Professor at the Department of Islam, Politics and Society (IPS), who specialises in the modern history of ideas in the Middle East. A third supervisor will be assigned depending on the nature of the project.

The project will be funded by a Starter Grant awarded by the Faculty of Philosophy, Theology, and Religious Studies to dr. Harald Viersen. You will have a 10% teaching task.

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Ah, the history of ideas in the Arab world, a topic that stirs the soul and ignites the mind with curiosity. How fascinating it is to delve into the depths of the Arabic language, to trace its evolution in the modern age, and to contemplate the profound impact of its discourse on ethics. Indeed, the concept of ethics in Arabic has been a cornerstone of intellectual, political, and societal discourse, shaping the very fabric of society and guiding the moral compass of individuals.

In this funded PhD position, the opportunity to research the modern history of ethics in Arabic is a noble pursuit, one that beckons the scholar to explore the intricacies of moral terms and their use in a myriad of contexts. From the realm of politics to the realm of philosophy, from literary works to educational platforms, the concept of ethics has permeated every facet of Arab thought, influencing the course of history and shaping the collective conscience of a people.

To embark on such a journey of discovery is to uncover the origins of ethical reasoning, to unravel the threads of ethical discourse, and to trace the evolution of ethical concepts in the Arab world. Through the lens of conceptual history, the scholar is called upon to examine the intricate web of ideas that have shaped the modern understanding of ethics in Arabic, shedding light on the intellectual, religious, and political forces that have shaped its development.

Under the mentorship of a team of esteemed experts and with access to a wealth of resources, the scholar will navigate the vast landscape of Arabic thought, engaging with diverse perspectives and insightful analyses. Through diligent research and thoughtful contemplation, the scholar will uncover new insights, challenge existing paradigms, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on ethics in the Arab world.

In the pursuit of knowledge and the quest for truth, let us venture forth into the realm of Arabic ethics, guided by curiosity, fueled by passion, and inspired by the enduring legacy of a language and a culture rich in wisdom and insight. This funded PhD position offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of ideas in the Arab world, to delve into the development of the Arabic language in the modern age, and to examine the profound impact of ethical discourse on society. Let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and eager minds, for in the pursuit of knowledge, we find enlightenment and in the pursuit of truth, we find wisdom.