Logic List Mailing Archive
PhD student position in philosophy of mathematics, Konstanz (Germany), Deadline: 17 Dec 2014
Ph.D. student position in philosophy of mathematics
Konstanz, Germany
J O B O F F E R No. 2014 / 186
The University of Konstanz, with its "Institutional Strategy to promote
Top-Level Research", has been receiving continuous funding since 2007 within
the framework of the Excellence Initiative by the German Federal and State
Governments.
At the Department of Philosophy (Theoretical Philosophy / Prof. Dr. Thomas
Müller) there is currently a vacancy for a Part-time
Ph.D. student Position
(Salary Scale 13 TV-L, 50%)
The position will be available at project start in February 2015; a later
starting date is negotiable, but an early start is preferred. The position
will be granted initially for 12 months, with an option for an extension for a
second year; funding for a third year will be applied for once the project is
under way.
The position is advertised as part of the new research project "Kulturen der
mathematischen Forschung: Identitätspraktiken im Hinblick auf nationale
Mathematikkulturen und Beweisstile" (Cultures of mathematical research:
identification practices with respect to national cultures of mathematics and
styles of proof) funded by the Konstanz Exzellenzcluster EXC 16, "Kulturelle
Grundlagen von Integration" (Cultural Foundations of Social Integration).
The principal investigators of this project are Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller
(Konstanz) and Prof. Dr. Benedikt Löwe (Hamburg & Amsterdam). The hired
applicant will be based in Konstanz and it is the intention that the applicant
be enrolled as a Ph.D. student and receive a Ph.D. degree in philosophy at the
Universität Konstanz, but the project involves active and regular interaction
with the Universiteit van Amsterdam and the Universität Hamburg, including
extended research visits of up to one semester.
Project background
The research areas of "Philosophy of Mathematical Practice" (PMP) and "Cultures
and Practices of Mathematics" (CPM) link traditional philosophical questions
about mathematics (questions about the truth of mathematical statements, about
mathematical knowledge, about the ontology of mathematics) to the study of
actual mathematical practice and ask about the extent of cultural influences on
mathematics. Traditionally, mathematics is seen as a highly abstract subject
where culture has little effect and practices seem to be governed by logic and
mathematical necessity alone; PMP and CPM challenge this position and demand
empirical evidence for claims like this.
This research project deals with the question of whether there is mathematical
content to national mathematical cultures: clearly, there are differences in
the mathematical styles of researchers from different countries. But are these
differences more than superficial? In other words, can these differences be
explained in purely mathematical terms. The project aims to approach this
question with empirical means using techniques from the digital humanities
(national literary cultures) and qualitative and quantitative empirical social
studies.
Further information
The research project links mathematics (the object of the study), philosophy,
formal methods in the humanities (such as literary studies), and empirical
methods in the social sciences (such as sociology and cognitive psychology).
The successful applicant will be interested in all of these subjects and
knowledgeable in at least two of them. While a formal background in mathematics
is not necessary, a fascination for mathematics and its method is crucial. The
successful applicant will be willing to travel between Konstanz, Hamburg, and
Amsterdam on a regular basis and spend longer research stays (up to one
semester) in one of the other research nodes of the project.
We are looking for a talented and dedicated young researcher with a Master's
degree in philosophy or another relevant subject (e.g., logic, sociology,
psychology) with a strong philosophical background and interest in mathematics.
Some mathematical background, as well as experience in empirical research in a
social science context are desired. Fluency in English is required.
How to apply
Applications should contain the following, in the form of a single PDF document
sent by e-mail:
(*) an application letter in English;
(*) a CV in English;
(*) a scan of the M.A. or M.Sc. diploma, including diploma supplement or
transcript record;
(*) contact information of two people willing to recommend you for this post;
(*) a link to an online version of the Master's thesis.
A writing sample of max. 25 pages (e.g., a published paper or seminar paper)
can be sent along as well (optional).
Interviews are planned for 12/13/14 January 2015, possibly in the form of a
telephone or skype session.
Please e-mail your digital application to Sekretariat.Mueller@uni-konstanz.de
Please indicate the reference number 2014 / 186 in the subject line.
The deadline for applications is 17 December 2014.
The University of Konstanz is an equal opportunity employer that tries to
increase the number of women in research and teaching.
The University of Konstanz has been certified as a family-friendly institution
by the Hertie Foundation and is committed to further the compatibility of work
and family life.
The University of Konstanz encourages disabled persons to apply. They will be
given preference if appropriately qualified. (contact +49 (0) 7531 / 88-4895).
The University of Konstanz offers a "Dual Career Couples Programme".
Information is available at: http://www.uni-konstanz.de/dcc .