Logic List Mailing Archive

PhD student position in collective reasoning, Luxembourg (Luxembourg), Deadline: 31 Mar 2015

The Individual and Collective Reasoning (ICR) Group at the University of 
Luxembourg, and the Department of Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy 
(ESPP) at the University of Groningen is looking for a:

*Doctoral candidate (PhD student) in Collective Reasoning* (M/F).

  * Ref:F1-070075
  * 2+2-year fixed-term contract, full-time (40h/week)
  * Beginning earliest May, 2015

Area: Collective reasoning


          Your Role

The successful candidate will participate in the activities of the ICR Group 
(icr.uni.lu) led by Prof. Leon van der Torre at the University of Luxembourg 
(year 1 and 2), and in the Department of ESPP at the University of Groningen 
led by Prof. Frank Hindriks (year 3 and 4). You will obtain a joint degree from 
both institutions (cotutelle).

The goal of the PhD project is to develop and evaluate a conceptual, formal and 
computational framework for the analysis of collective reasoning and 
decision-making. The aim is to advance understanding of mutually beneficial and 
normatively appropriate choices in cooperative settings. Applications can 
concern expert panels and committee decision-making in general, and, for 
instance, central bank monetary policy committees, climate panels, medical 
ethical committees, and parliamentary committees in particular.

Within this goal, the candidate is asked to submit a work plan, explaining how 
philosophy and artificial intelligence can benefit from each other. Whereas 
philosophers focus on the interaction between notions such as intentions, 
goals, beliefs, reasons, obligations and values - aimed at articulating an 
account of rational action - computer scientists address the overall 
architecture of an intelligent agent involving similar notions. The research 
statement must address these issues at the collective level and focus on 
notions such as joint intentions, collective rationality, collective 
obligations, and shared valuing. It may draw on theories such as judgment 
aggregation, team reasoning, and shared valuing as used in social ontology, and 
it may employ tools from deontic logic and normative multi-agent systems.

The tasks for the PhD student will be to:

  * Write a doctoral dissertation
  * Disseminate results through scientific publications
  * Assist the professors in their teaching activities

For further inquiries please contact:

Prof. Leon van der Torre, leon.vandertorre@uni.lu or
Prof. Frank Hindriks f.a.hindriks@rug.nl


          Your Profile

  * A Master degree in Philosophy, Computer Science or a related discipline
  * A proven interest in Interest in interdisciplinary research, and
    both conceptual and formal aspect
  * Background in practical reasoning, knowledge representation, applied
    logic, multi-agent systems, or social ontology,
  * Strong analytical capacities, creativity, and commitmen
  *   Excellent written and oral English skills.


          We offer

A 2+2-year contract, full-time (40 hours/week). The first two years will be 
mainly spent in Luxembourg, and the last two years will be mainly spent in 
Groningen. Universities offer competitive salaries and are equal opportunity 
employers. You will work in an exciting international environment and will have 
the opportunity to participate in two excellent research environments.


          Further Information

Applications should be written in English and include the following documents:

  *   An introduction letter indicating your motivation,
  * A detailed Curriculum vitae
  * A transcript of the grades you received in your Bachelor and Master
  * A short description of your master thesis
  * A work plan proposal of 800 words.

Interested candidates are invited to send their complete application including 
CV and copies of diploma ON LINE before March 31, 2015. Follow the link at the 
bottom of the following webpage:

*http://emea3.mrted.ly/lli8*