Dear all,
We are happy to invite you to a workshop with Zoe A. Johnson King (Harvard University) on “Praiseworthiness” taking place on June 11th, from 9:45 to 16:00 at Sensengasse 8/10.
Zoe Johnson King is a leading figure in the philosophical debate on (moral) praise and praiseworthiness. The existing literature in moral responsibility and attached fields is primarily concerned with (moral) blame and blameworthiness which is why Zoe Johnson King has dedicated her upcoming book to the topic of praiseworthiness.
The full book manuscript can be downloaded on her personal website: https://www.zoejohnsonking.com/research
We are going to discuss the book together with Zoe Johnson King in three separate sessions.
09:45 – 11:15 Chapter 1 & 2
11:30 – 13:00 Chapter 3 & 4
14:30 – 16:00 Chapter 5 & 6
The workshop is organized by the KiC and PACE project.
If you plan to come, please register in writing a short mail to sebastian.aster(a)univie.ac.at <mailto:sebastian.aster@univie.ac.at>
Best regards,
The organizers (Paulina Sliwa & Sebastian Aster)

Wir sind um die Verbreitung der unten stehenden Informationen gebeten
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Sie uns diesen unter Info-Mail-Portal [1] zukommen lassen.
Beiträge, die uns bis Freitag, 10 Uhr erreichen, werden per
GAP-Info-Mail am darauffolgenden Montag verschickt - Beiträge, die uns
danach erreichen, entsprechend eine Woche später.
(1)
Stellenausschreibung (Paderborn, Deadline: 09.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (Postdoc) (m/w/d) 100 | TV-L 13 (12
Monate)
(2)
Stellenausschreibung (Konstanz, Deadline: 18.06.2025)
Professor:in (m/w/d) 100 | W3 (unbefristet)
(3)
Stellenausschreibung (Konstanz, Deadline: 18.06.2025)
Professor:in (m/w/d) 100 | W3 (unbefristet)
(4)
Veranstaltungsankündigung (Umeå), 09.06.2025 - 11.06.2025
Workshop: Umeå Summer Workshop on Laws of Nature
(5)
Veranstaltungsankündigung (Göttingen), 05.12.2025, 12:00 Uhr -
06.12.2025, 16:00 Uhr
Workshop: Adventsworkshop der Akademie für Ethik in der Medizin
(1)
Stellenausschreibung (Paderborn, Deadline: 09.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (Postdoc) (m/w/d) 100 | TV-L 13 (12
Monate)
Postdoc-Position (f/m/d)
(salary level according to 13 TV-L)
available in the project founded by the German Research Foundation DFG
"Historical Critical Digital Edition of the handwritten version of
Émilie Du Châtelet's Institutions de physique" 12265.
The planned start for this project position is earliest from August 1st,
2025.
The position is limited for 12 months (100 %) or upon request 24 months
(50 %) according to the project approval, due to third-party funding,
based on the German law "Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG)".
The time limit corresponds to the approved project period. Pending
approval of the funding for a further funding phase of the project is
possible and may be continued within the time limits of the WissZeitVG.
Project Description
The internationally renowned research on Émilie du Châtelet at the
Center for the History of Women Philosophers and Scientists will be
continued with this project. The DFG-funded project started in 2021. In
its third phase the main tasks are to assist with the online edition,
and to support the critical and historical commentary with an in-depth
knowledge of French Enlightenment philosophy and science literature.
Conditions of Employment:
* Applicants must have an outstanding doctorate in philosophy in a
thematically relevant area of research in early modern philosophy.
* One focus of the project is the preparation of the commentary, so a
thorough knowledge of Enlightenment philosophy and science of the period
is essential. Experience of working with manuscripts is essential.
Previous knowledge of the works of Emilie Du Châtelet is an advantage.
* The linguistic requirements are an excellent knowledge of French and
English, as this is the language of the project's editorial material.
* Experience in the digital representation of transcriptions is welcome,
but no technical background is required.
* The implementation of the research project requires the ability to
cooperate and work in a team, as well as the willingness to contribute
to the profile and development of the Center for the History of Women
Philosophers and Scientists and to support its goals of promoting the
history of women philosophers.
We offer:
* Flexible working hours and the individual option of mobile working
* Wide range of health, counseling and prevention services
* Attractive fringe benefits such as childcare facilities and sports
activities
* Opportunities for internal and external training and development
* Additional benefits in accordance with the collective agreement of the
federal states (TV-L), such as annual bonuses and capital-forming
benefits as well as the VBL supplementary pension scheme
To see the whole application announcement including information on how
to apply, equality/disability guidelines and data policy please vist:
https://www.uni-paderborn.de/fileadmin/zv/4-4/stellenangebote/Kennziffer693…
Please send your application documents in one single pdf file using the
Ref. No. 6937 until June 9th 2025 to petra.grosse.holling(a)upb.de.
Please contact Petra Grosse Holling for any questions.
Digital applications should include: motivation letter, CV, doctoral
certificate, a publication list and a maximum of three writing samples,
relevant for this position. The job interviews will be held via ZOOM.
Information regarding the processing of your personal data can be
located at:
https://www.uni-paderborn.de/en/zv/personaldatenschutz.
Kontaktadresse: petra.grosse.holling(a)upb.de
URL zum Call: https://www.uni-paderborn.de/fileadmin/zv/4-4/stellenangeb
... [2]
Bewerbungsfrist: 09.06.2025
(2)
Stellenausschreibung (Konstanz, Deadline: 18.06.2025)
Professor:in (m/w/d) 100 | W3 (unbefristet)
W3-Professur für Praktische Philosophie unter besonderer
Berücksichtigung der politischen Philosophie und der Sozialphilosophie
(w/m/d)
Vollzeit, W3
Kennziffer 2025/117. Die W3-Professur für Praktische Philosophie unter
besonderer Berücksichtigung der politischen Philosophie und der
Sozialphilosophie im Fachbereich Philosophie, Geisteswissenschaftliche
Sektion, Universität Konstanz, soll ab 1. Oktober 2026 besetzt werden.
Siehe:
https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/33d1ae9a656df8363fc93617afd21b40…
(deutsch)
https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/dcb31dbbe7125a178fcdf1c63fa27f82…
(englisch)
Kontaktadresse: thomas.mueller(a)uni-konstanz.de
URL zum Call: https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/33d1ae9a656df83
... [3]
Bewerbungsfrist: 18.06.2025
(3)
Stellenausschreibung (Konstanz, Deadline: 18.06.2025)
Professor:in (m/w/d) 100 | W3 (unbefristet)
W3-Professur für Theoretische Philosophie unter besonderer
Berücksichtigung der Philosophie der Sprache und des Geistes (w/m/d)
Vollzeit, W3
Kennziffer 2025/118. Die W3-Professur für Theoretische Philosophie unter
besonderer Berücksichtigung der Philosophie der Sprache und des Geistes
im Fachbereich Philosophie, Geisteswissenschaftliche Sektion,
Universität Konstanz, soll ab 1. Oktober 2026 besetzt werden.
Siehe:
https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/f039f26c989a678d80eafea2a4cddd87…
(deutsch)
https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/c84f7dc712a09224cdb75c0f5f7cd904…
(englisch)
Kontaktadresse: leon.horsten(a)uni-konstanz.de
URL zum Call: https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/f039f26c989a678
... [4]
Bewerbungsfrist: 18.06.2025
(4)
Veranstaltungsankündigung (Umeå), 09.06.2025 - 11.06.2025
Workshop: Umeå Summer Workshop on Laws of Nature
Programm:
9. Juni
12:00 _Optional meet-up for lunch_
1:30 - 3:00 Nina Emery -- Subjective, Objective, and In Between in the
Metaphysics of Science
3:30 - 5:00 Zachary Kofi -- Objective Modalities and S5
7:00 Workshop Dinner
10. Juni
10:30-12:00 Alison Fernandes -- The Big Bad Bug Meets Laws
_Lunch Break_
1:30 - 3:00 Erica Shumener -- Governing an Unruly World
3:30 - 5:00 Heather Demarest -- It's no surprise that governing laws are
useful.
7:00 Workshop Dinner
11. Juni
10:30 - 12:00 Audrey Powers -- Moral Laws, Natural Laws
_Lunch Break_
13:30 - 15:00 Isaac Wilhelm -- Centering Free Will
Organisator:innen:
Heather Demarest, Chris Dorst, Siegfried Jaag, Christian Loew
If you want to participate, please register with Siegfried Jaag
(siegfried.jaag(a)hhu.de).
Modus: Präsenzveranstaltung
Kontaktadresse: siegfried.jaag(a)hhu.de
(5)
Veranstaltungsankündigung (Göttingen), 05.12.2025, 12:00 Uhr -
06.12.2025, 16:00 Uhr
Workshop: Adventsworkshop der Akademie für Ethik in der Medizin
Traditionell im Advent veranstaltet die Akademie für Ethik in der
Medizin ihren Adventsworkshop. Die Veranstaltung, die in diesem Jahr
bereits zum fünfzehnten Mal stattfindet, richtet sich an
Nachwuchswissenschaftler*innen aus unterschiedlichen Fachrichtungen,
die ein Forschungsprojekt im Umfeld der medizinischen Ethik haben. Der
Workshop, der stets von einer Reihe renommierter Forscher*innen der
medizinischen Ethik betreut wird, kombiniert interdisziplinäre
Fortbildungsvorträge mit der Möglichkeit, das eigene Forschungsprojekt
vorzustellen und zu diskutieren. Geboten werden eine konstruktive und
anregende Arbeitsatmosphäre und vielfältige Kontakte auch über regionale
und disziplinäre Grenzen hinweg.
Zielgruppe: Promovierende und andere interessierte
Nachwuchswissenschaftler*innen aus den Bereichen Medizin, Philosophie,
Theologie, Sozialwissenschaften, Pflegewissenschaften etc.
Kosten: 40,- EUR
Leitung: Prof. Dr. Felicitas Krämer, Prof. Dr. Mark Schweda, Prof. Dr.
Alfred Simon
Das Programm sowie das Anmeldeformular finden Sie auf unserer Homepage.
Modus: Präsenzveranstaltung
Veranstaltungs-URL: https://aem-online.de/adventsworkshop/
Kontaktadresse: kontakt(a)aem-online.de
Anmeldefrist: 31.10.2025
--
Links:
------
[1] https://infomail.gap-im-netz.de
[2]
https://www.uni-paderborn.de/fileadmin/zv/4-4/stellenangebote/Kennziffer693…
[3]
https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/33d1ae9a656df8363fc93617afd21b40…
[4]
https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/f039f26c989a678d80eafea2a4cddd87…
Dear all,
You are cordially invited to the following event:
In Goethes Auge - Perception, Ontology and Aesthetics of Colours - A
book presentation
Anastasia Klug (Humboldt Universität Berlin)
When: 11:00-13:00 - Wednesday 28 May 2025
Where: Room B0305, Neues Institutsgebäude (NiG), Universitätsstraße 7,
1010 Wien
Language: Englisch
Abstract:
Goethe spent many years working on colours, about the way we perceive
them, the way they appear in nature, and the way they can be
conceptualized from a physical point of view. In 1810 he published his
Theory of Colours (Farbenlehre), a non-classificable work about the
nature of colours, and, last but not least, their aesthetical value.
Indeed, Goethe was primarly interested into colours for aesthetical
reasons, even if the scientifical debate about the nature of light plays
a decisive role in his investigations. He famously attacked Newton’s
theory about the physical heterogeneity of white light and postulated
instead that what makes colours appear, is what he calls the polarity
between light and darkness. Through the years, this theory led him to
the idea that colours can form complementary couples that are
particularly harmonious, i.e. that are able to produce valuable
aesthetical effects. In Goethes Auge – Wahrnehmung, Ontologie und
Ästhetik der Farbe analyses Goethe’s conceptualization of colours as an
autonomous aesthetical mean, which permits a radical new artistical use.
This publication shows both the originality and the philosophical
importance of Goethe’s way to understand colours. What is at stake is
the link between perception, which implies a material point of view, and
aesthetical judgement in the sense of Kant and Schiller, which is
something more than a mere well-being sensation. Goethe’s approach
reveals itself as an original position in the German philosophical
landscape, characterized by idealism: his Theory of Colours replaces the
human being in the nature and its material dimension, without
sacrificing or reducing the spiritual side of human existence.
Best regards,
Raphael Aybar
--
MSc. Mag. Raphael Aybar, BA
Scientific Coordinator
Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy
University of Vienna
Universitätsstraße 7, B0301
1010 Wien
+43-1-4277-46020
https://vd-philosophy.univie.ac.at/
vd.philosophy(a)univie.ac.at
raphael.aybar(a)univie.ac.at
Dear all,
We cordially invite you to an impulse talk with a panel discussion
format organized as a #TechDiplomacyTalk in collaboration with the
Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BMEIA), the Vienna Center of
Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ) and the Vienna Doctoral School in
Physics (VDSP).
Impulse Talk: Introduction to Ethical, Legal, Social Aspects (ELSA) of
Quantum Technologies
Speaker: Zeki Seskir [1]
Abstract: Quantum technologies (QT) are advancing rapidly, promising
transformative impacts across science, industry, and society. Alongside
these developments, there is a growing need to consider their broader
implications. This short impulse talk offers an introduction to the
Ethical, Legal, and Social Aspects (ELSA) of QT. It will provide a brief
orientation to the emerging discourse around ELSA of QT, its relevance
for quantum research and innovation, and the importance of integrating
these perspectives early in the development process.
Panel Speakers:
Claudia Reinprecht (BMEIA) [2]
Douglas Robinson (OECD) [3]
Adrian Schmidt (ITAS) [4]
Zeki Seskir (ITAS) [1]
Moderation: Lee Rozema [5]
Tuesday, 3 June 2025
4.30 pm
Afterwards: Get-Together with snacks
Lise-Meitner lecture Hall,
Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna
1st floor, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1090 Vienna
Please register for the event here [6]
We are looking forward to seeing you at Quantum Outside the Box!
With kind regards,
The VDSP and VCQ Team
_Quantum Outside the Box__ is an interdisciplinary event series that
explores the intersection of quantum physics with other fields, offering
researchers fresh perspectives and unexpected connections. Through
engaging talks and discussions, participants gain new insights into the
ethical implications of emerging quantum technologies, draw parallels
between scientific creativity and artistic expression, and reflect on
the historical and philosophical dimensions of quantum discoveries. By
bridging disciplines, Quantum Outside the Box challenges researchers to
view their work in a broader context and consider its impact beyond
traditional scientific boundaries._
Links:
------
[1] https://www.itas.kit.edu/kollegium_seskir_zeki.php
[2] https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-reinprecht-183a674/
[3] https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-robinson-a43b7212/
[4] https://www.itas.kit.edu/kollegium_schmidt_adrian.php
[5] https://walther.univie.ac.at/people/lee-rozema/
[6] https://vcq-quantum.at/quantum-and-ethical-legal-social-aspects/
--
MSc. Mag. Raphael Aybar, BA
Scientific Coordinator
Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy
University of Vienna
Universitätsstraße 7, B0301
1010 Wien
+43-1-4277-46020
https://vd-philosophy.univie.ac.at/
vd.philosophy(a)univie.ac.at
raphael.aybar(a)univie.ac.at
Dear all,
You are hereby invited to the next "Physics meets Philosophy" talk by
Michael Stöltzner (University of South Carolina)
Title: Signatures and Phenomena: Some philosophical lessons from
contemporary particle physics (see abstract below)
Date: May 26th (Monday)
Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: IQOQI Seminar room (Boltzmanngasse 3, 2nd floor)
Zoom link (for those that cannot join in person):
https://univienna.zoom.us/j/62321955598?pwd=oX0i21x3Jb1MBiYESdG1JwZ7NkP4Se.1
Abstract:
We argue that the concept of signatures, which is prominently used in
particle physics measurements, albeit widely neglected by philosophers,
represents an important complement to the much-discussed concept of
phenomena – not only in physics. By considering phenomena and signatures
as steps of experimental inquiry, we argue that signatures are the final
step of the measurement process and phenomena are the first step in the
theoretical interpretation. (Based on a forthcoming paper with Peter
Mättig, Bonn)
For more information on "Physics meets Philosophy", see
https://sites.google.com/view/physphilvienna
Best wishes
Sebastian
Liebe alle,
wir laden herzlich zur nächsten Fakultätsöffentlichen Präsentation von Dissertationsprojekten der Philosophie (FöP) ein.
Am Mittwoch, den 4. Juni 2025 präsentieren drei Kandidat*innen ihre Dissertationsvorhaben im Hörsaal 2G (NIG, 2. Stock).
Im Anschluss an die Präsentationen laden wir zu einem Austausch bei Sekt und Sushi ein.
Programm:
13:15 Uhr
Boda Liu, BA MA
Das Leib-Ich: Reflexionen aus der Perspektive der generativen Phänomenologie
Betreuung:
Mag. Dr. Michael Staudigl, Privatdoz.
13:45 Uhr
Eric Archambault, MA
Essays on Aristotle and philosophy of mathematics
Betreuung:
Univ.-Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Georg Schiemer
14:15 Uhr
Peter Schneider, BA MA
Morbide Faszination. Zum persönlichen und theoretischen Verhältnis von Georges Bataille und Simone Weil
Betreuung:
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Dr. Esther Heinrich, Privatdoz.
Wir freuen uns sehr auf Ihre Teilnahme!
Die Einladung kann gerne mit interessierten Personen geteilt werden.
Mit herzlichen Grüßen
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Arne Holger Moritz
Studienprogrammleitung Doktoratsstudium Philosophie (SPL 43)
***
Dear all,
We warmly invite you to the next Public Faculty Presentation of Dissertation Projects in Philosophy (FöP).
On Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. in Lecture Hall 2G (NIG, 2nd floor), three candidates will present their dissertation projects.
Following the presentations, we once again invite you to join us for a reception with sparkling wine and sushi.
Programme:
1:15 p.m.
Boda Liu, BA MA
Das Leib-Ich: Reflexionen aus der Perspektive der generativen Phänomenologie
Supervisor:
Mag. Dr. Michael Staudigl, Privatdoz.
1:45 p.m.
Eric Archambault, MA
Essays on Aristotle and philosophy of mathematics
Supervisor:
Univ.-Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Georg Schiemer
2:15 p.m.
Peter Schneider, BA MA
Morbide Faszination. Zum persönlichen und theoretischen Verhältnis von Georges Bataille und Simone Weil
Supervisor:
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Dr. Esther Heinrich, Privatdoz.
We are very much looking forward to your participation!
Feel free to share this invitation with anyone who might be interested.
With best wishes,
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Arne Holger Moritz
Director of the Doctoral Program in Philosophy (SPL 43)
Dear all,
We are happy to invite you to a lecture that is part of the new event
series THINKING NATURE [1]that will take place at the Department of
Philosophy, University of Vienna, 2025-2026 (more information below),
organised by Eva-Maria Aigner and Ralf Gisinger.
The first lecture will take place on Friday, June 6, 6-8pm_,_ online and
in a hybrid setting, Room 3A (NIG):
Philippe Lynes (Durham University): "Anecological Dwelling: Derrida,
Heidegger, Blanchot"
Abstract: In the second year of his _The Thing _seminar (1976), Jacques
Derrida undertakes a comparative analysis of Martin Heidegger's
"Building, Dwelling, Thinking" with the literary work of Maurice
Blanchot. For Derrida, if Heidegger's bridge signals a gathering of two
shores, a gathering wherein mortals may learn to properly dwell in
saving the earth, the bridge for Blanchot would hint at an infinite
distancing of the two shores, a devastation that knows no salvation.
This interplay of the economical and the aneconomical, _the ecological
and the anecological_ would organize all of Derrida's readings of
Heidegger and Blanchot almost twenty years later in the _Secret et
témoignage _seminars. In unfolding these readings, we will ask what it
might mean, in reconsidering the relations and non-relations between
thinking and nature, to dwell _anecologically? _Might the anecological
open onto a new thinking that leaves nature to its secrecy _without us?_
Bio: Philippe Lynes' research situates itself at the intersections of
the environmental humanities, continental philosophy and ecocriticism.
He has held an Addison Wheeler Fellowship with the Institute of Advanced
Study and the Department of English Studies at Durham University. He was
a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Romance Languages and
Literatures at Harvard University, and held the Fulbright Canada
Visiting Research Chair in Environmental Humanities at the University of
California, Irvine. Lynes is the author of the two-volume _Dearth:
Deconstruction after Speculative Realism_, forthcoming with Northwestern
University Press in 2025 and 2026, and _Futures of Life Death on Earth:
Derrida's General Ecology_ (Rowman & Littlefield International, 2018).
He is co-editor (with Matthias Fritsch and David Wood) of
_Eco-Deconstruction: Derrida and Environmental Philosophy_, (Fordham
University Press, 2018) and (with Timothy Clark) of the _Oxford Literary
Review_ special issue "What Might Eco-Deconstruction Be?" (2023) Lynes
is also a translator and editor of French philosophy and literature,
notably of the work of Jacques Derrida and Maurice Blanchot. He is
associate editor of the journal _Derrida Today_, and one of the lead
editors of Blanchot's literary estate. He is currently working on two
books, _Ecologies of Emptiness_, on the Kyoto School, and an
introductory book on _The_ _Environmental Posthumanities_.
There will be two short responses to the lecture by Eva-Maria Aigner and
Noemi Call (both University of Vienna).
We will send out the zoom-link closer to the lecture.
Here you find more information about the event series:
THINKING NATURE [1]
University of Vienna, 2025-2026
Poststructuralism has long been accused of a general indifference to
questions of materiality and natural philosophy. From this perspective,
and in light of the urgent philosophical problem of the looming climate
crisis, poststructuralist theory does not seem ideally suited to
contribute to the question of nature. In recent years, however, numerous
authors have shown how poststructuralist theories can be made fruitful
in ecology, geo-philosophy or a philosophy of nature.
The lecture series, organised and curated by Eva-Maria Aigner and Ralf
Gisinger (Research Group "Poststructuralism, Gender Theory,
Psychoanalysis"), brings together some of the most intriguing
contemporary theorists in this field who will be invited to the
Department of Philosophy Vienna to give their philosophical perspectives
on "Thinking Nature" in the Anthropocene.
Events 2025
Philippe Lynes (Durham University)
_June 6_, 18:00-20:00, online. Live-Streaming and Responses in Room 3A
(NIG)
Didier Debaise (Université Libre Bruxelles)
_October 16_, Keynote, 18:30 (Lecture Room 3A (NIG), on-site/hybrid)
_October 17_, Workshop, 10:00-16:00 (Lecture Room 3A (NIG),
on-site/hybrid)
Claire Colebrook (Penn State University)
_November 21_, 10:00-12:00, online. Live-Streaming and Responses in Room
3A (NIG)
Organised by Ralf Gisinger and Eva-Maria Aigner
Funded by the Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy
Research Group "Poststructuralism, Gender Theory, Psychoanalysis"
Registration and Information:
ralf.gisinger(a)univie.ac.at
eva-maria.aigner(a)univie.ac.at
poststrukturalismus.univie.ac.at [2]
Links:
------
[1]
https://poststrukturalismus.univie.ac.at/veranstaltungen/thinking-nature-ev…
[2]
https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpoststru…
Wir sind um die Verbreitung der unten stehenden Informationen gebeten
worden. Wenn Sie selbst einen Beitrag zur GAP-Info-Mail haben, können
Sie uns diesen unter Info-Mail-Portal [1] zukommen lassen.
Beiträge, die uns bis Freitag, 10 Uhr erreichen, werden per
GAP-Info-Mail am darauffolgenden Montag verschickt - Beiträge, die uns
danach erreichen, entsprechend eine Woche später.
(1)
Stellenausschreibung (PAIR Centre, Erlangen, Deadline: 26.05.2025)
Visiting Fellow (m/w/d) | 1-3 Monate
(2)
Stellenausschreibung (Mainz, Deadline: 01.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (m/w/d) 100 | A 13 LBesG (Unbefristet)
(3)
Stellenausschreibung (Konstanz, Deadline: 08.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (m/w/d) 100 | TV-L E13 (Drei Jahre)
(4)
Stellenausschreibung (Luxembourg, Deadline: 20.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (Postdoc) (m/w/d) 100 | 3 years
(5)
Stellenausschreibung (Göttingen, Deadline: 20.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (m/w/d)
(6)
Stellenausschreibung (Dresden, Deadline: 30.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (m/w/d) 65 | E 13 TV-L (3 Jahre)
(7)
Veranstaltungsankündigung (Online (Zoom)), 26.05.2025, 13:00 Uhr -
26.05.2025, 14:00 Uhr
Sonstige: Lunchtalk-Reihe des DFG-Netzwerks "Methoden Praktischer Ethik"
(8)
Veranstaltungsankündigung (Berlin), 26.05.2025, 14:00 Uhr - 26.05.2025,
16:00 Uhr
Sonstige: Book Launch: Gen Eickers: Scripts and Social Cognition
(9)
Veranstaltungsankündigung (Berlin), 03.07.2025 - 04.07.2025
Workshop: Political Dimensions of Open-Mindedness
(1)
Stellenausschreibung (PAIR Centre, Erlangen, Deadline: 26.05.2025)
Visiting Fellow (m/w/d) | 1-3 Monate
The Centre for Philosophy and AI Research [2] (PAIR) at
Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg [3], Germany, is
inviting applications for payed PAIR Visiting Fellowships for 1 to 3
months (between October 2025 to October 2026).
The deadline for the next round has been adjusted to the 26th of May,
followed by another round for the 15th of September 2025 (for the period
April 2026 to April 2027).
If you decide to apply, please consult the full announcement here:
https://www.pair.fau.eu/visit-pair/
Both junior and senior researchers can apply for PAIR Visiting
Fellowships:
- Junior Fellowship: Stipend of 1.500--2.500 EUR per month + 500 EUR
lump sum for travel support.
- Senior Fellowship: Stipend of 2.500--3000 EUR per month + 500 EUR lump
sum for travel support.
(The lower bound applies if you also have a salary or similar income
from a position elsewhere; the higher bound applies if the fellowship
will be your only source of income for this period.)
To apply, please send a single PDF with the following 3 parts to
pair-jobs(a)fau.de:
1. a short motivation letter (1.5 pages max), which indicates:
1a. when do you intend to come to PAIR;
1b. what you intend to work on while at PAIR;
1c. how your research relates to the aims of PAIR or the research of its
members;
2 a CV with a list of publications, and
3. a sample of writing that the applicant considers their best work, and
PAIR was founded in 2022 with support from a prestigious Alexander von
Humboldt Professorship for Vincent C. Müller at the University
Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU, est. 1743). We intend to set the agenda in the
philosophy and ethics of AI, through publications, events, structures,
and visible activities. We aim to generate intellectual progress that
can have a deep impact towards a better society. Our centre encourages
interdisciplinary work and involves excellent people with a background
in philosophy, cognitive sciences, neurosciences, social sciences,
political science, and computer sciences.
Informal but targeted inquiries can be sent to the Director of Research
(sascha.fink(a)fau.de) or the Head Director of PAIR
(vincent.c.mueller(a)fau.de).
We look forward to your applications.
Kontaktadresse: pair-jobs(a)fau.de
URL zum Call: https://www.pair.fau.eu/visit-pair/
Bewerbungsfrist: 26.05.2025
(2)
Stellenausschreibung (Mainz, Deadline: 01.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (m/w/d) 100 | A 13 LBesG (Unbefristet)
Unbefristete Stelle als Akademische*r Rat / Rätin (m/w/d) als
wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in an der Kant-Forschungsstelle des
Philosophischen Seminars der Johannes Gutenberg Universität:
https://stellenboerse.uni-mainz.de//HPv3.Jobs/jgu//stellenangebot/47188/577…
[4]
Kontaktadresse: kpollok(a)uni-mainz.de
URL zum Call: https://stellenboerse.uni-mainz.de//HPv3.Jobs/jgu//stellen
... [5]
Bewerbungsfrist: 01.06.2025
(3)
Stellenausschreibung (Konstanz, Deadline: 08.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (m/w/d) 100 | TV-L E13 (Drei Jahre)
Akademische*r Mitarbeiter*in (w/m/d)
(Vollzeit, E 13 TV-L)
Kennziffer 2025/111.
In der Arbeitsgruppe Theoretische Philosophie (Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller)
am Fachbereich Philosophie der Universität Konstanz ist zum 1. Oktober
2025 eine Stelle als Akademische*r Mitarbeiter*in befristet auf drei
Jahre zu besetzen.
Die Universität Konstanz ist eine von elf Exzellenzuniversitäten in
Deutschland und wird seit 2007 in der Exzellenzinitiative und deren
Nachfolgeprogramm, der Exzellenzstrategie des Bundes und der Länder,
gefördert.
Die Stelle dient der weiteren wissenschaftlichen Qualifikation nach der
Promotion und bietet die Möglichkeit zur eigenständigen Forschung im
Bereich der Theoretischen Philosophie. Aktuelle Forschungsschwerpunkte
der Arbeitsgruppe sind Wissenschaftsphilosophie, Metaphysik und
Handlungstheorie; es bestehen zudem interdisziplinäre Kooperationen. Die
Mitarbeiter*in soll dieses Profil sinnvoll ergänzen; sowohl ein
systematischer als auch ein historischer Schwerpunkt sind möglich.
Ihre Aufgaben
* Eigenständige Forschung zur weiteren wissenschaftlichen Qualifikation
nach der Promotion
* Lehre im Umfang von 4 LVS auf Deutsch und auf Englisch
* Ggf. Betreuung von B.A.- und M.A.-Arbeiten
* Mitarbeit in der akademischen Selbstverwaltung
* Mitarbeit an Forschungsprojekten und anderen Aktivitäten der
Arbeitsgruppe
Ihr Profil
* Abgeschlossenes Hochschulstudium (Master/Diplom) in Philosophie oder
einem anderen einschlägigen Fach
* Eine exzellente einschlägige Promotion
* Sehr gute deutsche und englische Sprachkenntnisse
* Interesse und Neugierde am wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten
* Erfahrungen in der interdisziplinären Arbeit sind willkommen
Wir bieten Ihnen
* Ein offenes und motiviertes, international orientiertes
Forschungsumfeld
* Die Möglichkeit zur Habilitation
* Die Arbeit in einer traumhaft schönen Umgebung
* Eingruppierung nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen des TV-L (je nach
persönlichen Voraussetzungen bis Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L)
Weitere Auskünfte erteilt Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller,
Thomas.Mueller(a)uni-konstanz.de.
Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Bewerbung mit den üblichen Unterlagen (kurzes
Anschreiben, Lebenslauf, ggf. Übersicht über Lehrerfahrung,
Schriftenverzeichnis, Abschlusszeugnisse, ein writing sample von max. 30
Seiten) bis zum 08.06.2025 über unser Online-Bewerbungsportal.
Die Universität Konstanz engagiert sich für Gleichstellung, Diversity
sowie die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie. Sie strebt eine Erhöhung
des Anteils von Frauen in Forschung und Lehre an und unterstützt Dual
Career-Paare (uni.kn/dcc). Menschen mit einer Schwerbehinderung werden
bei entsprechender Eignung vorrangig eingestellt (sbv(a)uni-konstanz.de,
+49 7531 88-4016).
Kontaktadresse: Thomas.Mueller(a)uni-konstanz.de
URL zum Call: https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/8825c21c7e5cbd1
... [6]
Bewerbungsfrist: 08.06.2025
(4)
Stellenausschreibung (Luxembourg, Deadline: 20.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (Postdoc) (m/w/d) 100 | 3 years
The University of Luxembourg is advertising for a Post-Doctoral
researcher in Philosophy of Mind/Epistemology as part of the AHRC & FNR
funded project The Role of Cognitive Experience in Decision and Action,
an international collaboration between the University of Liverpool and
the University of Luxembourg. This is a 36 month fixed-term position.
Another Post-Doctoral researcher position will soon be advertised at the
University of Liverpool. Each position must be applied for separately
through the official recruitment portals of each university. But we
encourage all qualified candidates to apply for both positions if they
are happy to be based in either Liverpool or Luxembourg.
Your profile
* Excellent Ph.D. degree in Philosophy with an AOS in Philosophy of
Mind (including philosophy of cognitive science or philosophy of AI) or
Epistemology (including social epistemology) broadly construed
* Experience of carrying out academic research, and discussing and
presenting this research
* A proven track-record (appropriate to career stage) of publishing in
academic journals
* Able to present ideas in a professional academic setting and in a
public-facing capacity
* Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, German or
Luxembourgish may be considered an asset but is not essential for the
position.
_Desirable:_
* A proven track-record (appropriate to career stage) of publishing in
public-facing outlets
* Experience and strong interest in online sociality and online
behaviour, social media analytics, consumption of online information and
misinformation
* Participation in outreach or public engagement initiatives
* Creative and innovative ideas regarding outreach and public
engagement
* Genuinely value making philosophical ideas accessible outside
academia
How to apply
_Applications should include:_
* Motivation letter (max. two pages) outlining how you fit the
criteria for the position
* Curriculum vitae
* Writing sample: either a published journal article or an excerpt
from PhD/unpublished draft paper (in which case no longer than 8000
words)
* Copies of diplomas
* Names and contact details of two academic referees
Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be
processed upon reception. To ensure full consideration candidates should
apply by 20/06/2025 ONLINE formally through the HR system [7].
Applications by Email will not be considered.
_General information:_
* Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
* Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
* Location: Campus Belval
* Planned Start Date: 1st September 2025
* Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
* Job Reference: UOL07374
The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is
EUR 85176 (full time).
Please contact Dr Thomas Raleigh if you have any questions about the
role or your suitability:
thomas.raleigh(a)uni.lu
The official Job advert and online application portal is here [8].
Kontaktadresse: thomas.raleigh(a)uni.lu
Bewerbungsfrist: 20.06.2025
(5)
Stellenausschreibung (Göttingen, Deadline: 20.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (m/w/d)
Am Philosophischen Seminar der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen ist
zum 01.10.2025 eine Stelle als
wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in (w/m/d)
in Teilzeit mit 50 v.H. der regelmäßigen wöchentlichen Arbeitszeit (zzt.
19,9 Stunden/Woche) befristet für die Dauer von 3 Jahren bis zum
30.09.2028 zu besetzen. Die Entgeltzahlung erfolgt nach Entgeltgruppe 13
TV-L.
Die Stelle befindet sich an der Professur für Theoretische Philosophie
(Prof. Dr. Christian Beyer).
Ihre Aufgaben
* Mitwirkung in der Lehre gem. LVVO, z. Zt. im Umfang von 2
Lehrverpflichtungsstunden
* Mitwirkung bei der Leistungsprüfung (Prüfungsbeisitz), ggf.
Unterstützung bei der Organisation von Fachtagungen und der Formulierung
von Forschungsanträgen sowie der Vorbereitung von Publikationen
Ihr Profil
* Schwerpunkt im Bereich Sprachphilosophie, Erkenntnistheorie,
Philosophie des Geistes / der Person bzw. Husserl im Kontext der
analytischen Philosophie
* abgeschlossene wissenschaftliche Hochschulausbildung (Master,
Magister)
* sehr gute Deutsch- und Englischkenntnisse in Wort und Schrift
* Neben dem erwähnten fachlichen Schwerpunkt gehören die Qualität des
Promotionsvorhabens und der bisherigen Veröffentlichungen sowie
Lehrerfahrung/didaktische Fähigkeiten zu den Auswahlkriterien.
Die Stelle soll der Qualifizierung des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses
dienen und bietet die Möglichkeit zur Promotion.
Die Universität Göttingen strebt in den Bereichen, in denen Frauen
unterrepräsentiert sind, eine Erhöhung des Frauenanteils an und fordert
daher qualifizierte Frauen nachdrücklich zur Bewerbung auf. Sie versteht
sich als familienfreundliche Hochschule und fördert die Vereinbarkeit
von Wissenschaft/Beruf und Familie. Die Universität hat sich zum Ziel
gesetzt, mehr schwerbehinderte Menschen zu beschäftigen. Bewerbungen
Schwerbehinderter erhalten bei gleicher Qualifikation den Vorzug.
Bewerbungen mit den üblichen Unterlagen (Anschreiben, Zeugnisse,
Abschlussurkunde und Lebenslauf inkl. Publikationsliste sowie Übersicht
über bisher unterrichtete Lehrveranstaltungen), Kurzbeschreibung des
Promotionsvorhabens sowie einem repräsentativen Text (Aufsatz, Auszug
aus Qualifikationsschrift o.ä.) von maximal 20 Seiten Länge werden bis
zum 20.06.2025 ausschließlich in elektronischer Form, erbeten an
maren.merder(a)uni-goettingen.de. Bitte bündeln Sie alle Unterlagen in
einer PDF-Datei.
Für Rückfragen steht Ihnen Frau Maren Merder, Telefon:0551-39-24776,
E-Mail: maren.merder(a)uni-goettingen.de zur Verfügung.
Bewerbungsfrist: 20.06.2025
(6)
Stellenausschreibung (Dresden, Deadline: 30.06.2025)
Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter:in (m/w/d) 65 | E 13 TV-L (3 Jahre)
At TUD Dresden University of Technology the Junior Professorship in
Philosophy of Science (Jun.-Prof. Enno Fischer) offers a position as
Research Associate (m/f/x)
in Philosophy of Science / Philosophy of Physics
(subject to personal qualification employees are remunerated according
to salary group E 13 TV-L)
starting at the earliest possible date. The position is limited to 3
years as part of the DFG project "Progress through Principles: An
Epistemology of Foundational Assumptions Guiding Contemporary Physics".
The period of employment is governed by the Fixed Term Research
Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG). The
position comprises 65% of the full-time weekly hours. The position
offers the chance to obtain further academic qualification (usually
PhD).
The Project examines the heuristic role of guiding principles in
foundational physics. Further information about the project is available
at
https://tu-dresden.de/gsw/phil/iphil/phisci/forschung?set_language=en.
Tasks:
* academic collaboration in the mentioned research project
* project coordination and support for project management
* independent research in philosophy of science and philosophy of
physics in the mentioned field of study
Requirements:
* completed university degree (M.A./M.Sc. level) in philosophy or
physics
* proficiency in English or German
* teamwork, communication skills, and initiative
* Interest in interdisciplinary work.
For inquiries, please contact Jun.-Prof. Enno Fischer:
enno.fischer(a)tu-dresden.de.
TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research. We therefore
expressly encourage women to apply. The University is a certified
family-friendly university. We welcome applications from candidates with
disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified,
those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German
Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.
Please submit your application including a detailed motivation letter
(max. 2 pages), curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, work sample
(max. 5000 words), project outline (max. 2 pages) and contact details of
two persons who would be willing to provide academic references (all
documents in German or English) by June 30, 2025 (stamped arrival date
of the university central mail service or the time stamp on the email
server of TUD applies), preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal
https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single pdf file to
enno.fischer(a)tu-dresden.de or to: TU Dresden, Juniorprofessur für
Wissenschaftstheorie, Herrn Jun.-Prof. Enno Fischer, Helmholtzstr. 10,
01069 Dresden, Germany. Please submit copies only, as your application
will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews
cannot be reimbursed.
The full job announcement is here:
https://www.verw.tu-dresden.de/StellAus/stelle.asp?id=12139&⟨=en&style=cms2
Kontaktadresse: enno.fischer(a)tu-dresden.de
URL zum Call: https://www.verw.tu-dresden.de/StellAus/stelle.asp?id=1213
... [9]
Bewerbungsfrist: 30.06.2025
(7)
Veranstaltungsankündigung (Online (Zoom)), 26.05.2025, 13:00 Uhr -
26.05.2025, 14:00 Uhr
Sonstige: Lunchtalk-Reihe des DFG-Netzwerks "Methoden Praktischer Ethik"
Lunchtalk-Reihe des DFG-Netzwerks "Methoden Praktischer Ethik [10]"
Interessierte sind herzlich eingeladen, zuzuhören und mitzudiskutieren.
_Zweiter Lunchtalk: Montag, 26. Mai 2025, 13:00 - 14:00 Uhr: _
Prof. Dr. Chris Neuhäuser (Dortmund): _„Achtung und Selbstachtung: Zur
Verteidigung der Abhängigkeitsthese"_.
_Abstract_: Viele Theoretiker:innen gehen davon aus, dass Selbstachtung
von Achtung abhängt. Dabei soll es sich zudem nicht nur um eine
psychologische Abhängigkeit handeln, die sich auch minimieren ließe.
Vielmehr soll diese Abhängigkeit in irgendeinem Sinne konstitutiv sein.
Genau das wird jedoch von einigen stoisch inspirierten Theoretiker:innen
in Frage gestellt.
Für eine Politik der Anerkennung hat diese Diskussion offensichtlich
erhebliche Folgen, weil von der jeweiligen Position abhängt, welche
politischen Maßnahmen zur Stärkung der Selbstachtung (als vielleicht
wichtigstem Grundgut, wie Rawls schreibt) geeignet sind.
Der Vortrag verfolgt zwei Ziele: Erstens argumentiere ich gegen die
Skeptiker:innen für eine konstitutive Abhängigkeit der Selbstachtung von
Achtung. Zweitens soll deutlich werden, dass Antworten auf solche
grundlegenden Fragen der praktischen Philosophie weitreichende
politische Folgen haben können, also immer schon „angewandt" sind.
_Teilnahmelink_ (Zoom): Link [11]
Meeting-ID: 666 4933 1283 Passwort: 552740
Schnelleinwahl mobil +496938980596,,66649331283#,,#,552740# Deutschland
_Nächster Termin_ der Lunchtalk-Reihe zum Vormerken:
* Freitag, 27. Juni 2025, 13:00 Uhr: Vortrag von Prof. Dr. Andrei
Poama (Leiden)
Modus: Online-Veranstaltung
Veranstaltungs-URL: https://methodennetzwerk.de/aktivitaten/
Kontaktadresse: norbert.paulo(a)gmail.com
(8)
Veranstaltungsankündigung (Berlin), 26.05.2025, 14:00 Uhr - 26.05.2025,
16:00 Uhr
Sonstige: Book Launch: Gen Eickers: Scripts and Social Cognition
Book Launch: Gen Eickers: "Scripts and Social Cognition: How We Interact
with Others" (Routledge, 2025)
May 26, 2025
2 - 4pm (CET)
TU Berlin, Room: H2051
Registration for Zoom: gen.eickers(a)uni-osnabrueck.de
_Commentators: _
* Quill Kukla (Leibniz Universität Hannover / Georgetown
University)
* Rebekka Hufendiek (Universität Ulm)
14.00: Room Open
14.15 -14.20: Welcome: Axel Gelfert
14.20 - 14.40: Brief Sketch of the Book and Background: Gen Eickers
14.40 - 15.00: Comment 1: Rebekka Hufendiek
15.00 - 15.20: Comment 2: Quill Kukla
15.20 - 16.00: Panel Discussion
Modus: Hybridveranstaltung
Veranstaltungs-URL: https://philevents.org/event/show/135945
Kontaktadresse: gen.eickers(a)uni-osnabrueck.de
(9)
Veranstaltungsankündigung (Berlin), 03.07.2025 - 04.07.2025
Workshop: Political Dimensions of Open-Mindedness
Open-mindedness - the willingness to engage with new ideas and give them
serious consideration - seems to be a core virtue of democratic
citizens. Indeed, many pathologies of contemporary politics - from an
increasingly hostile public discourse to phenomena like filter bubbles
and epistemic injustice - can be described as (originating in) some form
of narrow or even closed-mindedness. Yet, while there is an ongoing
debate around the nature and norms of open-mindedness in virtue
epistemology (concerned with our ability to acquire true beliefs about
the world), the distinctly political dimensions of open-mindedness
remain undertheorized. The aim of this workshop is to make up for this
gap from different philosophical perspectives and in relation to various
issues.
Participants: Jack Kwong, Romy Jaster, Hein Duijf, Katrin Flikschuh,
Monika Betzler, Wayne Riggs, Isabel Kaeslin, Jakob Huber, Dominik Balg.
The workshop program is available here [12]. To participate, please
register with jakob.huber(a)fu-berlin.de until June 1st.
Modus: Präsenzveranstaltung
Veranstaltungs-URL: https://democratic-hope.net/news/
Kontaktadresse: jakob.huber(a)fu-berlin.de
Anmeldefrist: 01.06.2025
--
Links:
------
[1] https://infomail.gap-im-netz.de
[2] https://www.pair.fau.eu/
[3] https://www.fau.eu/
[4]
https://stellenboerse.uni-mainz.de/HPv3.Jobs/jgu/stellenangebot/47188/57742
[5]
https://stellenboerse.uni-mainz.de//HPv3.Jobs/jgu//stellenangebot/47188/577…
[6]
https://stellen.uni-konstanz.de/jobposting/8825c21c7e5cbd17cbbbc8fc590397b6…
[7]
https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frecruitme…
[8]
https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frecruitme…
[9]
https://www.verw.tu-dresden.de/StellAus/stelle.asp?id=12139&lang=en&…
[10] https://methodennetzwerk.de/
[11]
https://ruhr-uni-bochum.zoom-x.de/j/66649331283?pwd=MVXuSjBvoUWLprwnNb2rGf8…
[12] https://democratic-hope.net/news/
Dear all,
this is to remind you that Quassim Cassam is giving a talk entitled "How
To Be a Political Epistemologist" to which the WFAP warmly invites you.
When? This Wednesday, 1pm - 2.30pm
Where? HS 3A, NIG, Universitätsstraße 1, 1010 Vienna
Abstract:
One of the fastest growing areas of philosophy today is political
epistemology. In my lecture, I will discuss the extent to which its
leading figures operate in an epistemic bubble or echo chamber. I will
draw on Kusch's conception of a sociology of philosophical knowledge to
investigate the background assumptions, concerns, ideologies, and master
narratives of mainstream political epistemologists. I will propose a
class-based analysis of political epistemology and explore the
suggestion that this field's major preoccupations are essentially the
preoccupations of what Musa Al-Gharbi calls 'symbolic capitalists'. I
will conclude with a plea for a more diverse and self-critical approach
to political epistemology.
We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Best,
Veronika Lassl
Acting Chair - Vienna Forum for Analytic Philosophy (WFAP)
wfap.philo.at
Dear VDP members,
Please find information on the workshop on AI and computing, organized
by the Philosophy of Science Group.
Date: 20.05.2025
Lecture Room 3D (Room D0316, 3rd floor) Universitätsstraße 7, 1010
Vienna
Organized by: Univ.-Prof. Tarja Knuuttila
17:00 -18:00
Dr. Nick Wiggershaus (University of Lille)
Computational Artifacts and the Problem of Creation
As computer science integrates principles from logic, engineering, and
physics, the ontological status of its core entities, such as computer
programs, remains contested. Programs are often characterized as hybrids
that have a "dual nature." In attempts to untangle such hybrids,
philosophers of computing have applied the concept of 'technical
artifact' (combining teleological function and physical structure) to
computing. While productive, it overlooks a notorious problem from the
philosophy of art: the Problem of Creation, which asks how abstract
objects like musical works or novels can be brought into existence
through concrete human activity. I argue that, like repeatable artworks,
computational artifacts have different representational modes (e.g.,
symbolic, mathematical, diagrammatic) and implementational media (e.g.,
ink on paper, chalk on a whiteboard, electrical signals, punched cards,
etc.). Just as a novel or a musical work is not identical to any one
performance or copy, a computer program persists across implementations.
This invites a philosophical conundrum: How can programmers create
abstract objects that are not located in space or time? By appropriating
solutions to the Problem of Creation, we gain alternative ways to
characterize the ontological status of programs and other computing
objects. I conclude by exploring whether we can understand computational
artifacts as abstract technical artifacts.
18:15-19:15
Dr. Laura Savolainen (University of Helsinki)
Emperor's New Crowds: "Untrustworthy" Workers and "Ground Truth"
Ground-truth datasets are supposed to nail down facts about the "world"
represented by data, so that machine learning models trained on them
will behave reliably in that same world. Yet when annotation is
outsourced to platform workers whom engineers do not know, and often
mistrust, how is such reliability achieved or even imagined? Based on 27
interviews with machine learning researchers and practitioners, this
paper investigates how ground-truth datasets are stabilised when 1)
annotators are positioned as unreliable non-experts, 2) recognised
domain experts are prohibitively expensive, and 3) the platform
architecture itself suppresses deliberation, feedback, and learning.
Given these constraints, I illustrate ground-truthing as a canny,
iterative practice shaped by task design choices, aggregation methods,
disciplinary conventions, and the affective politics of trusting data
supplied by unknown workers. Rather than reflecting the world, the
resulting datasets operationalize narrowly bounded problem formulations
that satisfy performance goals 'well enough' for downstream modelling.
By analysing the epistemic hierarchies, organizational constraints and
judgment calls embedded in these pipelines, the discussion offers a
concrete case for re-evaluating realist assumptions about data,
evidence, and representation in contemporary AI research. Moreover, the
analysis opens normative space for re-imagining data pipelines around
more transparent authority structures and richer human feedback for more
reliable processes and outputs.
If you wish to join via zoom, please find it below:
https://univienna.zoom.us/j/61325403480?pwd=csc5Ipp2tkz9MjwbvFioVELyphZW6u.1
Best,
Raphael
--
MSc. Mag. Raphael Aybar, BA
Scientific Coordinator
Vienna Doctoral School of Philosophy
University of Vienna
Universitätsstraße 7, B0301
1010 Wien
+43-1-4277-46020
https://vd-philosophy.univie.ac.at/
vd.philosophy(a)univie.ac.at
raphael.aybar(a)univie.ac.at