Projects
Examples of research projects of the group Humanism and Philosophy (formerly Humanism and Social Resilience):
Nature and Us
The project examines early modern views on the relationship between nature and man, using early modern landscape paintings from the collection of the Alkmaar Stedelijk Museum.
Resilience around severe experiences of loss in daily life
This research focuses on the prevention of sequential problems after loss-related life events in adults and elderly people.
Visual Humanisms
Renaissance Humanism was an important driving force behind the ideal of bringing antiquity back to life. Was this resurrection of non-Christian gods merely an intellectual game or a religious practice?
Intervention profiles to help tackle loneliness and social isolation among elderly people
In this project a typology of intervention profiles has been developed, to find suitable interventions for elderly people who are lonely or socially isolated.
Well-being in Feijenoord
Humanitas Rotterdam has a new approach to welfare work in the Feijenoord area. Strengthening the resilience of the residents is central to this. Yke van der Schoor's PhD research follows the results of this approach.
Organising meaningful contact
PhD research into how contacts of older people take shape within volunteering, when these contacts are perceived as "meaningful", and what role volunteer organisations play in establishing and maintaining these contacts.
EU4TRANSITION: European University for Transition (completed)
This European research project is aimed at a new type of university in which philosophy of life and ecology are central. The aim is to stimulate interdisciplinary research and teaching.
SEE ME: Social inclusion through Meaningful Ageing
This European research is aimed at improving the position of elderly people living independently. The aim is to improve the social inclusion of older people and to gain insight into their potential for personal growth.
Meaningful Ageing: A humanist view
The main objective of this book (editors: prof. Joachim Duyndam and prof. Anja Machielse) is to add new interdisciplinary insights, and research results to the current academic debate on ageing.
Vibrant Senior Communities (completed)
The municipality of Rotterdam started the 'Vibrant Senior Communities' project to increase the social quality in residential complexes for the elderly. This research evaluates the approach.
Freethinkers: from Spinoza to today (completed)
On Sunday 5 September 2021, the exhibition Freethinkers: from Spinoza to today opened. It makes connections between contemporary events and historical developments and encourages reflection and discussion.
'Zin in Bellen': group discussions on meaning of life (completed)
Many elderly people face life questions and questions about meaning. This project is for elderly people who want to connect with peers and talk about essential issues.
Factorenmodel Social relationships (completed)
The aim of the study is to provide insight into the influence of the 'Social Relationships' factor on other factors that affect people's opportunities, safety and health at different life stages.
Ficino and Fantasy: Imagination in Renaissance Art and Theory from Botticelli to Michelangelo (completed)
Did the Florentine humanist and philosopher Marsilio Ficino influence the art of his time? This book by Marieke van den Doel departs from Ficino’s views on the imagination as a faculty of the soul.
The changing role of volunteer organisations in the care sector (completed)
Research into the changing role of volunteer organisations in the care sector, and an examination of the ‘Vrijwillig Dichtbij’ (‘Voluntarily Nearby’) programme.
Social regeneration of residential complexes for senior citizens (completed)
Research into social vitality in housing estates for the elderly. How can this be stimulated, what role can residents play in this themselves and what professional support is needed?