Logic List Mailing Archive
PhD student position in philosophy of mathematics, Konstanz (Germany), Deadline: 12 Feb 2015
Ph.D. student position in philosophy of mathematics with special emphasis
on empirical studies of mathematical practice, Deadline: 12 February 2015
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
Mller) there is currently a vacancy for a Part-time
Ph.D. student Position
(Salary Scale 13 TV-L, 50%)
The position will be available immediately; 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: Identittspraktiken 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 Mller
(Konstanz) and Prof. Dr. Benedikt Lwe (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 Universitt Konstanz, but the project involves active
and regular interaction with the Universiteit van Amsterdam and the
Universitt 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 asks
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 possible in the form of a telephone or skype session.
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.familie.uni-konstanz.de/dual-career/ .
Please e-mail your digital application to Sekretariat.Mueller@uni-konstanz.de
Please indicate the reference number 2015 / 005 in the subject line.
The deadline for applications is 12 February 2015.
http://www.uni-konstanz.de/stellenangebote/?cont=stellausw&seite=2015/005&id=1