(Im)probable stories

Abstract

but also being not-quite-a-student was quite demotivating (especially when combined with COVID lockdowns). So, while I am satisfied with the end-result, my PhD experience was something of a mixed bag. However, one thing that I do not have mixed feelings about is the group of people who helped me along the way.The following persons not only helped make this thesis better, without their aid I would likely not have finished it in the first place.I would first and foremost like to thank my promotors Henry Prakken and Anne Ruth Mackor. Before I began this PhD, I already knew what you were both like as supervisors as you had supervised my master's thesis. After I was done with that thesis, I sent you an email in which I expressed my gratitude for your kind and constructive supervision. I observed that not everyone is as lucky with their supervisors (I'd heard some horror stories). I also made a prediction: that we would continue to get along well during my PhD. I am happy to say that this was a successful prediction and I stand by the words I wrote in that email. I am grateful for all the time that you devoted to reading my work carefully and critically over these past years. Admittedly, it was not always easy to feel this gratitude when I received yet another round of extensive comments on my work. However, if not for all your help, I wouldn't be nearly as satisfied with the end result and it made me a better academic. But what I am perhaps most thankful for is that I could always come to you with any problems I had, whether they were professional or personal, in the knowledge that you would offer me understanding, kind words, and good advice.A close third in the list of people that I should absolutely not forget to thank is Pauline Westerman. Pauline, you had very little impact on what is written in this thesis. When I showed you one of my first chapters, you refused to read it, 9 exclaiming with disgust that there was a formula on the second page. Nonetheless, you contributed to the successful completion of my PhD in countless other ways.Your first contribution was convincing me to apply for the Research Master of Law, which turned out to be a great choice. After that, you continued to be a mentor to me, and to many of my fellow PhDs as the director of the Graduate School of Law (and these days as the 'PhD (grand)mother'). You also helped me (and the other PhDs) immensely by organizing online meetings during the pandemic, where we talked about hobbies and other happy things. Those meetings were bright spots during a dull and depressing time. Finally I want to thank you very much for painting the wonderful picture on the cover of this book.I would also like to express my gratitude to the members of my reading committee: Amalia Amaya, Christian Dahlman and Bart Verheij. Thank you for taking the time to read this thesis, for your helpful feedback and for allowing me to defend it.Speaking of the defense, I am very happy that Pepa Mellema and Stefan Sleeuw agreed to be my paranymphs. Historically, paranymphs acted as bac...