PhD position in logic and philosophy

[Jan Broersen]

The Intelligent Systems Group of the department of Information and
Computing Sciences of the Faculty of Science, in collaboration
with the research group Theoretical Philosophy of the department
of Philosophy of the Faculty of Humanities, is looking for a

 >>>>>>>>>>>>> PhD-researcher (1,0 fte) on the topic <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
 >>> "Logical Models for the Dynamics of Motivational Attitudes" <<<

TOPIC DESCRIPTION

Logical models for belief and knowledge and logical models for
motivational attitudes (intentions, obligations, desires) have
both been around for decades. In more recent years, the interests
in analyzing belief and knowledge have shifted towards a focus on
belief change. There, we want to understand, not only what
triggers a change in beliefs, but also what the consequences of
such a change are to earlier obtained beliefs and uncertainties.
Such questions are equally pressing for motivational attitudes,
but a similar shift to analyzing motivation change is still in its
inception stage. The aim of this project is to make a substantial
contribution to that development, on the basis of a comparison of
motivation change with belief change, and supported by a
philosophical analysis of motivation change. Among the questions
that will be addressed are the following. Under what conditions
are intentions reasonably dropped? How are obligations weighed
against desires? What are conditional obligations and how should
we model them? How are a person's rights and liberties affected by
changes in the rights and liberties of others?

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

The research for this project will be carried out against the
background of the multidisciplinary program in Cognitive
Artificial Intelligence at Utrecht University. The PhD-researcher
will be closely collaborating with members of both the Information
and Computer Science department and the Philosophy department. The
PhD-researcher will also be participating in the education
programme in Cognitive Artificial Intelligence. In addition,
through our international contacts we expect to arrange for
stimulating visitorships to well-known research groups abroad.
Promotors for this PhD-research are prof. dr. J.-J. C. Meyer
(Intelligent Systems) and prof. dr. A. Visser (Theoretical
Philosophy).

WE ASK

A Master degree in logic, computer science or philosophy;
familiarity with modal logic; an interest in philosophical
questions concerning intentionality and action explanation.

WE OFFER

An appointment as `assistent in opleiding' (Dutch: AIO, English:
PhD student). Salary max € 2472 (level AIO, CAO Nederlandse
Universiteiten); The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus
of 8% and a year-end bonus of 3% per year. In addition we offer: a
pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, facilities for
child care, flexible employment conditions in which you may trade
salary for vacation days or vice versa. Conditions are based on
the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, applicants are invited to get in contact
with dr. ir. J.M. Broersen, 030-2533193, broersen at cs.uu.nl or dr. R.
Mastop, 030-2532088, rosja.mastop at phil.uu.nl. Also, a more elaborate
description of the project can be found through our home pages
(http://www.cs.uu.nl/~broersen/ and http://www.phil.uu.nl/~rosja/).

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a letter (with CV) addressed to

Head of Personnel and Organization
Budapestlaan 6
P.O. Box 80.010
3584 CD Utrecht
The Netherlands

or send an email to science.P&O at uu.nl

Please cite vacancy number 62708.

The deadline for receipt of applications is April 3rd, 2007