[FOM] PhD student position in philosophy of mathematics, Konstanz (Germany), Deadline: 12 Feb 2015

[Benedikt Loewe]

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 
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 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: 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 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 at 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