Jobs In Philosophy
For 2017-18 and 2018-19, the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics will take “Political Economy and Justice” as its leading theme. Our work in areas such as diversity, justice, and democracy; bioethics; and institutional corruption will also continue. But for the next two years, we will concentrate a significant portion of our fellowships, resources, and energy around the theme of Political Economy and Justice.
To this end, we invite applications for our Fellows-in-Residence program. We expect to award 8-10 fellowships.
While most admitted fellows will work on the theme, we also expect to admit some applicants whose work does not directly relate to the theme; such applicants can apply for an “open” fellowship. In addition, please note that in 2016, the Edmond J. Safra Center inaugurated a partnership with the Berggruen Institute's Philosophy and Culture Center, whose goal is “to develop fresh ideas through comparative and interdisciplinary work and to relate these insights to the pressing issues of our day.” A subset of our fellows will be designated as Edmond J. Safra-Berggruen Fellows. Edmond J. Safra-Berggruen Fellows engage in scholarship of broad social and political importance from cross-cultural perspectives, and demonstrate a commitment to the public dissemination of their ideas. Priority for holding a Berggruen Fellowship at the Edmond J. Safra Center will be given to scholars working in the following areas: equality and hierarchy; democracy and meritocracy; neuroscience, culture, morality; sustainable innovation; diversity, justice, and democracy; political economy and justice. Berggruen Fellows have the distinctive opportunity to take up a second fellowship year at a university in Asia.
For specifics about the application process, please see the Details section at the bottom of this page.
POLITICAL ECONOMY AND JUSTICE
Almost no one any longer defends “unregulated capitalism.” But what passed for communism has been tried and has failed; Europe has largely backed away from at least one vision of “socialism” as a model; and in the U.S. there is high frustration with government regulation even as there is high frustration with economic and political arrangements that have worked poorly for lower and middle income Americans over recent decades. Where is political economy to go, and how do decisions about political economy intersect with understandings of justice, legitimacy, human flourishing, ethics, and moral commitments?
Capitalism is not a “single-level system” consisting merely of property rights and markets but a “multi-level” system of economic governance involving economic markets that are embedded in institutions created and governed by political authority, accountable to political markets, resting on social norms, and instantiating specific values. Most public firms are hierarchical organizations with carefully structured decision rights and autocratic tendencies (stemming from espoused goals related to wealth maximization and related capital market and product-market performance metrics). As pressing as ever is the question of how principles of legitimacy and justice, of rights, liberties, and a just distribution of resources, can best be served through structured hierarchies of decision-makers set up to serve, primarily, capital market and product market constituencies. Can answers be found along this path?
At the same time, views under the general heading of “socialism” are attracting renewed interest from philosophers and the general public. Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union and the ideological development of China, socialist views are implemented in many versions around the world. Some philosophers have argued that much further-reaching versions than are currently implemented are both institutionally possible and even required to bring about true human flourishing. Others have argued that the cultural penetration of capitalism is the root cause of many social evils from terrorism to widespread loneliness in mass-societies. How should we assess these arguments? How do they relate to efforts to re-imagine capitalism or a mixed economy?
Because of the widespread sense that economic problems are connected to political problems, the issues of political economy and justice are also closely connected to the topic of democracy, as both a theoretical and practical question. With sharp divisions about what ought to be done—compare Trump supporters with Sanders supporters in the U.S.; Leavers to Remainers in the Brexit vote and so on—politics can look intractable, and current trends are ugly and dangerous in many ways.
Merely recognizing these facts does not answer the questions of whither political economy nor of how to define justice and legitimacy in relation to economic questions. Sustained, hard-hitting, multi-disciplinary conversation is necessary.
We expect that serious conversations about the intersections of political economy and justice, will take up issues of human flourishing, ethics, and moral commitments; of democracy, system governance, and legitimacy; of corporate governance and legitimacy; of alienation and consumerism; of labor and quality of life; of social, political, and economic equality and opportunity; of inclusion and sustainability; of globalization, cosmopolitanism, and tribalism. We do not begin with a pre-conceived view about whether solutions lie in capitalism, socialism, or a mixed economy. We seek proposals that address any of these broad topics or others that we have not considered. We seek scholars and practitioners, philosophers and political theorists, economists and decision-makers, and many more besides. We seek a diversity of viewpoints. Our goal will be to craft a conversation that will help us deepen our collective understanding of political economy and human well-being.
DETAILS
Residency and Requirements: The one-year fellowship term runs the course of the academic year, typically from the beginning of September through the end of May. All Fellows-in-Residence will be expected to devote the majority of their time to their individual projects and to participate in regular work-in-progress seminars as well as attending public lectures. In addition, Fellows whose work intersects most directly with the annual theme will also be encouraged to participate in further thematic components of the Center’s programming, which will consist of additional conferences and workshops.
Eligibility: We invite a broad range of researchers to submit proposals to become residential Fellows. We accept applications from untenured and tenured faculty, as well as post-doctoral applications and proposals from researchers and practitioners in industry, government, or NGOs seeking sabbatical time to pursue research directly relevant to ethical issues. Applicants from any discipline or professional field will be considered. Each applicant should propose an individual research and/or writing project. Applicants must have a PhD, professional degree, or a minimum of 5 years of equivalent professional experience. The Fellowships are open to all regardless of citizenship. Those who have previously held a year-long residential Fellowship at the Center are not eligible; this limitation does not apply to former undergraduate or former graduate fellows. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact us at applications [__at__] ethics [dot] harvard [dot] edu before beginning the application process.
How to Apply
1. Submit the following as a single PDF file via email to applications [__at__] ethics [dot] harvard [dot] edu:
Letter describing the intersection of your work with the theme and/or with issues in ethics generally (approximately 500 words)
Curriculum Vitae
Research Proposal for the project you would undertake (approximately 1,000 words)
Sample of previous work. This can be a scholarly paper or chapter; a think-tank white paper; policy memos; journalistic writing; or a portfolio documenting a major work product-- in English, preferably written, published, or produced within the past two years
The names of two references, which should also be entered in the online form below.
2. In addition to the above materials, please complete and submit this online form.
Deadline: The deadline date for receipt of applications for projects beginning September 2017 is December 1, 2016.
Stipend: Post-doctoral fellows will be paid according to a salary structure that is based on number of years of postdoctoral experience ranging from $42,000 to $53,000. Faculty members based in the U.S. who will spend their sabbatical year at the Center will be eligible to receive up to one-half of their academic year salary (not exceeding a maximum stipend set each fall) for the fellowship period. Their home institution is expected to provide at least half the salary, plus all benefits. The maximum for the 2017-18 year is $75,000. Overseas fellows and those not on an academic track are eligible for stipends depending on circumstance.
All fellowship applicants are expected to report pending or received funding from other sources. If multiple awards are received, an equitable arrangement will be made among the funding agents.
Please note the following: We are not able to pre-screen applications, project ideas, or issues of eligibility. Please read the materials available on our website to determine if this fellowship is a good fit for you and your scholarship. Incomplete or hard copy applications will not be considered.
The Department of Philosophy seeks to appoint a non-fixed-term full-time lecturer. His/her principal research interests will be in post-Kantian European philosophy, and they will be able to provide high quality research-led teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels that area. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to the vibrant research culture of the Department and will also take on administrative responsibilities.
The Department of Philosophy seeks to appoint two non-fixed-term full-time lecturers. Their principal research interests will be in ethics (including applied or professional ethics), political philosophy or philosophy of public policy, and they will be able to provide high quality research-led teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in one of these areas. The successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the vibrant research culture of the Department and will also take on administrative responsibilities.
The School of Philosophy at the Faculty of Humanitiesof the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia invites applications for full-time, tenure-track positions of Assistant Professor inPhilosophy of Science / Epistemology.Knowledge of Russian is not required as teaching and research are both conducted in English.
About HSE
The HSE is a young, dynamic, fast-growing Russian researchuniversity. Over the past twenty years, the HSE has become one of Russia's largest universities in the fields of economics, social sciences and humanities, and has earned the reputation of a national leader in higher education. One of its unique features has been its direct involvement in socioeconomic reforms in Russia, which has allowed HSE to develop as a “project and research university” where education, fundamental and applied research, and "think tank" activities are combined for the comprehensive development of society. Committed to high-quality research, HSE now has a considerable number of international research laboratories, led by eminent professors from all over the world; more such laboratories were opened in 2016.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a recent Ph.D. in philosophy with AOS in Philosophy of Science / Epistemology or related fields, or to be in receipt of the PhD before the starting date of the contract. The successful candidate is expected to conduct high-quality research publishable in reputable peer-reviewed journals with research support provided by the University. The appointments will be made for three years in the first instance, starting in September 2017, with reviews of teaching and research during the third year.
Benefits
The salary is competitive, indexed to inflation annually, and subject to a 13% flat income tax. The university offers health insurance (free of charge), language assistance, and other social benefits; travel support and other research assistance are generous. Since we have heavy emphasis placed on high quality research, the teaching load of newly hired faculty is relatively low and service is minimal.
Application and Interviews
Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest, a recent research paper and at least 2 letters of reference via online application form.
The deadline for accepting application materials is December 02, 2016.
More information about the university is available at the www.hse.ru/en, http://phil.hse.ru/en/.
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR. Assistant Professor of Philosophy, tenure-track, beginning fall quarter, 2017. AOS: Ethics, broadly construed for a pluralistic department. AOC: Open, but the Department is especially interested in the following areas: African American, 20th Century Continental, History of Philosophy (especially Early Modern), Feminist Philosophy (especially Feminist Epistemology), Environmental Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, and Social/Political Philosophy. We are looking for someone who has a broad pluralistic orientation that encompasses a variety of perspectives. We want candidates who reach beyond moral theory to develop an engaged, embodied, culturally situated moral philosophy. Such a candidate would be interested in topics such as contemporary moral issues, environmental and feminist ethics, new research in moral psychology, and issues arising from gender, race, and cultural institutions in a global context. Position involves graduate and undergraduate teaching and maintaining an active program of research. Undergraduate teaching and research/publication experience and Ph.D. required. Salary will be competitive depending on qualifications. We seek candidates with a commitment to working effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. To assure full consideration, applications must be received by November 18, 2016, but position will remain open until filled. Complete applications, including c.v., three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample should be filed at http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo. For more information, please refer to http://hr.uoregon.edu/jobs. EO/AA/Veterans/Disability institution committed to cultural diversity.
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.
The Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague is seeking to appoint
3 positions for postdoctoral or early career researchers in philosophy
The positions will be associated with Professor Ladislav Kvasz's research project "Formal epistemology – the next synthesis" (see the attached project bellow) funded by the Czech Academy of Sciences. The project is scheduled for 6 years, which is also the maximum duration of the appointments. The positions are differentiated according to three subject areas:
1) The first position will be devoted to the historical and philosophical study of the formalization of logic, focusing on the contribution of Gottlob Frege. Formal logic was one of the most successful examples of formalization of a (formerly) philosophical discipline. We want to understand more deeply what made this formalization possible, how it unfolded, and whether the pattern of this formalization can also be applied in epistemology.
2) The second position will be reserved for the study of the contemporary attempts at developing a formal epistemology. At present there are several groups working in this area. One of the aims of the grant team will be to establish cooperation and exchange of ideas with these groups, to map the current research in formal epistemology and to find ways of integrating the project into that research.
3) The third position will be devoted to the study of the epistemology actually employed in physical research, focusing on crucial historical episodes that are well understood from the historical point of view, preferably on Newton's or Maxwell's work, rather than on contemporary physics. The crucial question is how the actual practice of gaining new scientific knowledge in physics relates to the epistemological debates in philosophy (of a prior, contemporary or later period).
We are looking for candidates who hold a PhD degree in logic, epistemology, philosophy of science or related disciplines (obtained after January 1, 2011) with a relevant research background, strong motivation for research, and competence to carry out both independent and collaborative research. The starting date for the appointments is January 1, 2017. The positions are offered for two years, with a possible extension of up to six years on the basis of research performance and with respect to the priorities of the project. The salaries will be 42 000 CZK gross/month.
For questions and further information please contact Prof. Ladislav Kvasz, the principal investigator of the research project, by e-mail at kvasz [__at__] flu [dot] cas [dot] cz but do not submit applications via this address.
Please submit your application by e-mail by October 15, 2016 to the address fep [__at__] flu [dot] cas [dot] cz. Your application should include: CV with a list of publications and specification of language skills; a short summary of your past research (up to 400 words); and a motivational letter, including description of research plans in one of the three subject areas mentioned above (up to 400 words).
Two confidential letters of reference should be sent directly by their authors to the e-mail address fep [__at__] flu [dot] cas [dot] cz by October 31, 2016.
The Institute of Philosophy is an equal opportunity employer.
Skidmore College, Saratoga, NY Assistant or Associate Professor of Philosophy. Tenure-track position, beginning Fall 2017. Five courses per year, all undergraduate. AOS: Open; AOC: Open.
Person hired will take primary responsibility for teaching Introduction to Logic (informal to first-order symbolic). The Department has teaching needs in Asian, African, or other traditions heterogeneous to European. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the College's first-year seminar program (topic open), student advising, and college service. PhD expected at time of appointment. We encourage applications from members of under-represented groups as well as individuals with experience working with diverse student populations who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their teaching, scholarship, and service.
The program emphasizes the history of philosophy, innovative solutions to contemporary problems, and the lively teaching of primary texts. Also highly valued are a commitment to the goals of liberal arts education and an enthusiasm for interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and research. Skidmore offers support for faculty development including pre-tenure sabbaticals and internal grants.
For more information on the department, please visit our website at: http://www.skidmore.edu/philosophy/
Review of applications begins November 15th 2016 and will continue until the position is filled.
To learn more about and apply for this position please visit us online at:
https://careers.skidmore.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=57515
Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.
CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.
The Information School of the University of Washington seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of Data Ethics. At the Information School, we believe that data can improve people’s lives, and that pioneering research in data science and related fields can make data work for the betterment of society. At the same time, such work raises important ethical questions about how new forms of data analysis are impacting privacy, liberty, and security.
We are seeking a candidate who demonstrates the potential to establish a program of high quality research focused on the ethical, legal, and policy issues related to data science with current areas of expertise including, but not limited to: data science methods, computational social science, data curation, information visualization, data-driven design, information retrieval, and knowledge organization.
Applicants can be of any disciplinary training and should be excited to join a multi-disciplinary faculty. Competitive candidates will demonstrate research excellence, teaching effectiveness and a commitment to diversity. Candidates with expertise in ethical theory and applied ethics are especially encouraged to apply.
The UW Information School is dedicated to hiring faculty that will enhance diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their research, teaching, and service. As information systems and institutions serve increasingly diverse and global constituencies, it is vital to understand the ways in which differences in gender, class, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, national and cultural boundaries, national origin, worldview, intellectual origin, and other identities can both divide us and offer us better ways of thinking and working. The Information School faculty are committed to preparing professionals who work in an increasingly diverse and global society by promoting equity and justice for all individuals, actively working to eliminate barriers and obstacles created by institutional discrimination.
This is a full-time 9-month tenure track appointment anticipated at the rank of Assistant Professor (job class code 0116). Applicants must have a Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) by date of appointment. Our new colleague will join a broad-based, inclusive information school, in which faculty members teach across programs. University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research and service. The University of Washington is a vibrant crucible of inclusive research and community outreach, situated between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. The city of Seattle is a rapidly growing, dynamic, and diverse metropolitan area.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applications submitted by October 30, 2016. Selected candidates will be invited for campus visits. University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Applicants may find further information about the Information School at ischool.uw.edu. Application packages should include: CV, letter of intent including a statement on research and teaching, two selected publications, as well as a diversity statement (see below), and the names and contact information for three references.
Diversity Statement: The UW iSchool seeks top scholars in its faculty searches. Diversity is a core value and foundational concept in the Information School, and we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse faculty, staff, and student community. Please describe your experiences with diversity in your research, teaching and service, and/or your potential to bring diversity to the iSchool and the information field. Discuss your potential to mentor and educate students who will serve diverse populations.For your reference please consult the UW iSchool’s diversity webpages: http://ischool.uw.edu/diversity/statement
Application Instructions: Application materials should be sent via email, with “Data Ethics” in the subject line, to:
Dr. Emma Spiro and Dr. Adam Moore (iApply [__at__] uw [dot] edu)
Co-Chairs, Data Ethics Search Committee
University of Washington Information School
Box 352840
Seattle, WA 98195-2840
206-616-2039
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
The Department of Philosophy at the University of Toronto Mississauga invites applications for a tenure-stream appointment in Kant and/or 19th-20th Century Philosophy at the rank of Assistant Professor. The appointment will begin on July 1, 2017.
Candidates must hold a PhD in Philosophy or a closely related field by the date of appointment, or shortly thereafter. They must provide evidence of excellence in both teaching and research. Excellence in research will be evinced in strong endorsements by referees of high international standing, and also by (for example) publications in top ranked and field relevant academic journals, presentations at significant conferences, and awards and accolades. Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, letters of reference, and the teaching dossier submitted as part of the application. Candidates must be able to teach a range of graduate and undergraduate courses in philosophy, although our primary teaching needs are in 19th-20th century philosophy.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The University of Toronto has three campuses—St. George, Scarborough, and Mississauga—each with its own Department of Philosophy offering undergraduate programs. The advertised position is affiliated with the Mississauga campus. The Graduate Department of Philosophy at the University of Toronto is a tri-campus department consisting of the philosophy faculty appointed on all three campuses. Graduate teaching and supervision, along with conferences, colloquia, and other faculty events, typically take place on the St. George campus. All departmental committees of the Graduate Department and all faculty search committees include faculty from all three campuses.
The tri-campus Department of Philosophy at the University of Toronto is widely recognized as Canada’s best and most comprehensive philosophy department and as an international leader in the field. The University of Toronto offers the opportunity to teach, conduct research, and live in one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world.
For information about the Department of Philosophy at UTM and the tri-campus Graduate Department, please visit http://www.utm.philosophy.utoronto.ca and http://www.philosophy.utoronto.ca.
Qualified applicants are invited to apply online by clicking on the link at https://utoronto.taleo.net/careersection/10050/jobdetail.ftl?job=1601299.
The following elements of the application should be submitted (in pdf format only) by November 1, 2016:
(1) a cover letter and curriculum vitae, combined in a file labelled “cover letter and CV.pdf”;
(2) a research dossier containing (i) a statement that outlines current and future research interests and (ii) an article-length sample of academic writing, combined in a file labelled “research.pdf”;
(3) a teaching dossier including a statement of teaching philosophy, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations, combined in a file labelled “teaching.pdf”.
Applicants should also have at least three letters of reference sent directly to philosophy [dot] utm [__at__] utoronto [dot] ca by November 1, 2016.
Please note that for this search the required files must be in PDF format and must be labelled as indicated above. General submission guidelines can be found at: http://uoft.me/how-to-apply.
If you have questions about this position, please send email to chair [dot] philosophy [dot] utm [__at__] utoronto [dot] ca.
The University of Toronto Mississauga is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.