1. Who are you?
Sem van Vliet, external PhD candidate at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In daily life also a husband, father, primary school principal, and falconer as well as exporter of falcons to the Middle East.
2. Could you explain your PhD research in simple terms, and why you believe it's important?
My PhD focuses on the notion of the soul and how it has been interpreted by Islamic theologians over the past centuries within orthodox Sunni Islam, particularly to what extent they were influenced by extra-Islamic ideas that may have been consciously or unconsciously based on different philosophies (e.g., Eastern or Greek philosophy).
Through this research, I aim to contribute new perspectives to the field of academic Islamic theological studies, particularly in relation to the concept of the soul. Furthermore, I intend to enrich my investigation by integrating insights from academic research that aligns harmoniously with the central focus of my study. By incorporating perspectives from fields such as psychology, anthropology, and comparative religion, I seek to create a comprehensive understanding of the soul that resonates across different disciplines. This holistic approach promises to shed new light on the intricate discourse surrounding the soul within the context of Islamic theological scholarship, while also fostering connections between Islamic thought and other academic domains.
3. What inspired you to start your PhD?
Absolutely my supervisor, Dr. Yaser Ellethy. His knowledge, academic expertise, dedication, and way of teaching inspired me to decide that I, too, wanted to become an academic. I am deeply grateful for all his advice; he truly is a role model for me in the academic world.
In addition, my brother, Lisse Geert van Vliet, who is currently pursuing a PhD at Maastricht University, has always been a source of motivation for me.
4. What has been your favourite moment during your PhD?
There are several moments. Every meeting with my supervisors is special; our relationship is excellent, and the feedback and insights I receive from them are truly unforgettable. Equally valuable are the moments when I read an academic paper and can form a critical opinion of it thanks to my knowledge of the subject. I was also invited by a publisher to review an Islamic children’s book on the soul as a specialist. And there have been many other memorable moments!
5. What advice would you give a starting PhD candidate that you wish you knew when you started?
To conduct research on something you truly enjoy and find interesting. Personally, I took a year and a half after my master’s on advise of my supervisor dr. Yaser Ellethy to delve deeper into the subject and to prepare for my pre-proposal. I also consciously chose to be an external PhD candidate. Although it is challenging—since I have to fund it myself and work on it in my free time—it also gives me a great deal of freedom!
6. What is your favourite VU building and why?
The main building, because during my bachelor’s and master’s I attended almost all my lectures there. I have so many wonderful memories of it and spent countless hours in the bookstore on the ground floor.
