General Information 

The Experimental Philosophy Lab Group is led by Lieuwe Zijlstra, a philosopher and sociologist who is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Groningen. 

Zijlstra has obtained a PhD in (Experimental) Philosophy in Ghent and in Groningen. His research is interdisciplinary and attempts to contribute both to the social sciences, and to philosophy. Most of his research is in experimental philosophy, combining the research methodology typical to philosophy and the research methodology typical to the social sciences. His current experimentation and research papers are about the psychological mechanisms involved in moral decision making, the objectivity of ethical statements, the psychology behind the idea of moral progress and knowledge, and perceptions of personal identity.  He also conducts research to meaning in life ("zingeving").

In addition, Zijlstra works as a lecturer at the University College Groningen, the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, and the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies. Courses he teaches include Experimental Philosophy, Empirical Research Methodology, Ethical Dilemmas in the Sciences, Ethics, Ethics & Secularity, Philosophy of Science, Sociology, The Art of Living, Happiness and Meaning in Life ("Zingeving"), and courses in Statistics. Additionally, Zijlstra supervises bachelor's theses, and research internships, and he developed a version of research internships named "Young Scientists at UCG" for which he was awarded for the Best Practices in Teaching & Learning Award in 2023. He also was runner-up for the Gratama Sciences Prize in 2022 for his research and teaching. In 2020, Zijlstra has founded the Experimental Philosophy Lab Group in order to provide internship students with a collaborative structure, in which they can discuss their ideas with other lab group members. 

At meetings of the Experimental Philosophy Lab Group we develop and discuss research. Most of the research is in the field of experimental philosophy, which is an interdisciplinary field of research in which research methodology in philosophy is combined with research methodology in the social sciences. We also discuss interdisciplinary research outside the field of experimental philosophy and we welcome students and scholars who are wishing to join and collaborate.