Logic List Mailing Archive

CfA: 2 postdocs in philosophical logic, Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Deadline: 16 February 2024

The University of Amsterdam invites applications for two 3-year postdoc positions in philosophical logic. The positions are part of the project “Generalisation into sentence and predicate positions”, funded by an ERC Starting Grant, and directed by Dr. Thomas Schindler. The position is at the intersection of philosophical logic, philosophy of logic, philosophy of language and metaphysics. The preferred start date is 1 September 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.



Closing date for applications:  16 February 2024



A research proposal is not required at this stage.



Project description:
The most basic and best understood form of generalisation is generalisation over objects. In formal logic, this form of generalisation is achieved via first-order quantifiers, i.e. operators that bind variables in the syntactic position of singular terms. However, many theoretical contexts require generalisation into sentence and predicate positions. Very roughly, generalisation into sentence and predicate positions is a high-level form of generalisation in which we make a general statement about a class of statements (e.g. the principle of mathematical induction, the laws of logic). We can distinguish two competing methods for achieving generalisation into sentence and predicate positions: (A) The direct method: by adding variables that can stand in the syntactic position of sentences and predicates, and quantifiers for them. This method is exemplified in the use of second- and higher-order logic (type theory). (B) The indirect method: by adding singular terms that are obtained from sentences and predicates by nominalising transformations, or by ascending to a metalanguage and attributing semantic properties to linguistic expressions or their contents. This method is exemplified in the use of formal theories of reified properties, sets, and classes, and formal theories of truth and satisfaction. As both methods come with their own ideological and ontological commitments, it makes a substantial difference which one is chosen as the framework for formulating our mathematical, scientific and philosophical theories. Some research has been done in this direction but it is still very much in its early stages. This research project will provide a sustained systematic investigation of the two methods from a unified perspective and develop novel formal tools to articulate deductively strong theories.


Both postdocs are expected to contribute to the research objectives of the project, in agreement with Thomas Schindler. The first postdoc will contribute to investigating and overcoming expressive limitations of higher-order logic / type theory. We are especially interested in the problem of cross-type generalisation and paradoxes such as the Russell-Myhill and the Prior-Kaplan paradox. The second postdoc will contribute to developing expressive type-free theories. We are especially interested in theories that feature a universal set or universal property so that they can model absolute generality.



Candidates will be selected based on fit with the project and academic excellence.

For details about the job and how to apply:


Two Postdoc Positions in Philosophical Logic<https://vacatures.uva.nl/UvA/job/Two-Postdoc-Positions-in-Philosophical-Logic/786804202/>


Two Postdoc Positions in Philosophical Logic

Two Postdoc Positions in Philosophical Logic



Best wishes,
Thomas Schindler
Assistant Professor, University of Amsterdam


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