Michael Veldman

Michael Veldman is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Hamilton College, with a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Western Ontario. His work bridges the history of philosophy, philosophy of science, and social ontology, focusing on Enlightenment thinkers like Leonhard Euler and Émilie Du Châtelet.

• Email: mveldman@hamilton.edu

Research Interests

• Metaphysics-science interplay in Enlightenment thought
• Epistemology of hypotheses and explanation
• Conceptual evolution in mechanics (final vs. efficient causation)
• Recovery of marginalized voices in philosophy (e.g., Nísia Floresta, Germaine de Staël)

Key Publications analyze Euler’s mathematization of metaphysics, Du Châtelet’s scientific methodology, and social movement legitimacy. He is preparing a SEP article on Euler and two papers on Du Châtelet’s Dissertation on Fire.

Scientific Awards

• Project Vox Post-doctoral Fellowship (2024)

Teaching includes courses on Science and Ethics of Climate Change, Social Ontology, and Early Modern Philosophy. His teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, skill-based learning, and 'warm-calling' engagement.