Tradition has it that PhD candidates in the Netherlands are supposed to include a list of stellingen — propositions — together with their dissertation. Though some of these propositions will typically be related to the PhD work, rules mandate that a certain number should not. The idea is to get the PhD candidates to show (or show off, depending on your inclination) how wise and mature they have become by producing a number of original thoughts outside their field of expertise.

The rules have changed in recent years. At least in some universities the propositions are not mandatory anymore. Interestingly, most of the dutch students I met have welcomed this change. And reading your typical list of propositions, one should not be too surprised.

Anyway, I have decided to start a series of entries dedicated to my own propositions. Plenty of material there for discussion, as I hope you will agree. Stay tuned!