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PhD student position in the philosophy of causation, Geneva (Switzerland), Deadline: 25 Jan 2014

PhD position in the philosophy of causation

?? 3-year PhD position (with possible renewal for an additional year) is 
available in the context of an interdisciplinary project on Boolean causal 
data analysis hosted at the Department of Philosophy of the University of 
Geneva.

The project, which is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, 
focuses on philosophical and methodological questions in the area of 
Boolean data analysis, which is currently dominated by the method of 
Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). In particular, the project aims to 
explore the theoretical foundations of Boolean data analysis and to bring 
Coincidence Analysis (CNA)---a close relative of QCA---from the 
methodological drawing board to effective, flexible, and computer-assisted 
applicability in real-life contexts of causal discovery.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in theoretical analytical 
philosophy, preferably in either the philosophy of science, metaphysics, 
or epistemology. A completed master's degree and an excellent command of 
English are required. French language skills are not necessary. The ideal 
starting date for the position is March 1, 2014. A later date might be 
possible (this should be explicitly requested in the application).

The resulting dissertation should lay the theoretical foundation of 
Boolean causal data analysis, in particular, it should explore and clarify


 	* what the metaphysical, conceptual, and epistemic features of the 
Boolean dimensions of causation are,
 	*

 	* what theory of causation best accounts for the Boolean 
dimensions,
 	*

 	* for which research contexts the Boolean dimensions are relevant 
(and for which they are not),
 	*

 	* how Boolean methods as QCA and CNA relate to other methods of 
causal inference, e.g. to Bayes-nets methods.
 	*


The gross salary for this position is between CHF 42'000 and CHF 48'000 
per year. The project will be directed by Prof. Michael Baumgartner. 
Additional group members will include an associate on the post-doc level 
as well as a software engineer.

Applications should be sent by e-mail and should include a letter 
explaining the candidate's interest in the position, a CV, copies of 
relevant certificates and diplomas, one letter of reference and the name 
of one further referee, as well as one article- or chapter-length writing 
sample. The deadline for receipt of applications is January 25, 2014.

Applications as well as informal inquiries should be directed by e-mail 
only to Prof. Michael Baumgartner (mbaumgartner@uni-osnabrueck.de: 
mailto:mbaumgartner@uni-osnabrueck.de).