Two Ph.D. positions in Philosophy (University of Bern)
“The conceptual space of the affective mind”

The Institute of Philosophy at the University of Bern invites applications for two PhD scholarships lasting for three years. These scholarships are linked to the project “The conceptual space of the affective mind”, led by Dr. Kevin Reuter and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF). The aim of the project is to advance our understanding of affective states like pains and emotions.
Focus of the dissertations: Using an experimental-­philosophical approach, the project will (a) explore various theories of pain and theories of emotion, (b) study whether these theories are empirically adequate by devising vignettes to test people's intuitions about pains and emotions;(c) investigate people's use of pain and emotion language by analyzing linguistic corpora;(d) develop and test various hypotheses in regards to the influence of normative considerations on people's concepts of pain and emotion. Successful applicants will be expected to write their Ph.D. thesis either on the conception of pain or the conception of emotions and to fully participate in the project’s goals, including the experimental parts. Previous experience with experimental methods is, however, not required. More information:
www.kevinreuter.com/affective-­mind-­project.html

We seek Ph.D. candidates with:
– an excellent Master’s degree in philosophy, psychology or other related field (completed by the date the position is taken up)
– strong promise of completing an outstanding Ph.D. dissertation in three years in the project area
– good knowledge of theories of emotions and/or theories of pain
– serious interest in carrying out experimental studies, e.g. surveys on online platforms and analysis of linguistic corpora
– willingness and ability to contribute to organizing conferences

We offer:
– opportunity to complete a Ph.D. in philosophy in an internationally oriented research context
– opportunity to gain a variety of research related skills and experiences in helping to organize conferences
– attractive working conditions in a highly collaborative research group
– possibility of shaping the agenda of one’s specialized research field by co-­organizing workshops

Starting date for employment: December 2016 (with some flexibility).

To apply for one of the positions, please send the following documents to Dr. Kevin Reuter, kevin [dot] reuter [__at__] philo [dot] unibe [dot] ch.
– a letter of motivation
– your curriculum vitae
– certificates (copies)
– a writing sample (15 – 25 pages, e.g. chapter from the master’s thesis)
– one or two letters of recommendation (which can be sent to us directly by the referees)

Deadline: October 31, 2016.

If you have further questions, please contact Kevin Reuter.