Dr. Fokko Jan Dijksterhuis

Biography

Fokko Jan Dijksterhuis studies the cultural history of early modern knowledge practices. By tracing spatial cultural interactions and the reconfigurations of socio-cultural groups, he provides insights into the emergence of categories in the science, technology, and society discourse. His early research focused on the history of early modern optics, investigating the intersections of mathematics, physics, and instruments in the seventeenth century. Notably, he made a detailed reconstruction of the origin of Huygens’ principle of wave propagation. His ongoing research delves into significant matters concerning light, exploring new perspectives in early modern optics as they relate to the arts, instruments, philosophy, and economy. His current research interests span the Enlightened conceptions of light and the atmospheric contraptions of Drebbel and Papin, as well as urban chorography as a breeding ground for knowledge and cultural assets. Through his inaugural lecture, 'Worlds of Ingenuity', he outlined the historiographical context of his projects, emphasizing the artifactual and experiential character of early modern knowledge practices. He contributes to courses at VU pertaining to the master track in Cultures of Knowledge and advises students on theses related to the history of knowledge and its practices.

Research Interests

Experience