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Talk by Padovani at MCMP (Thu. Nov. 19)
by Dardashti, Radin Nov. 16, 2015

Nov. 16, 2015

Speaker: Flavia Padovani (Drexel University) Date: Thu., Nov 19 Location: Ludwigstraße 31, ground floor, Room E21 Time: 18:15 -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 19:45 Title: Measurements, Coordination, and the Problem of Representation of Physical Quantities Abstract: In his Scientific Representation, van Fraassen argues that measuring is a form of representation. In fact, every measurement pinpoints its target in accordance with specific operational rules within an already-constructed theoretical space, in which conceptual interconnections can be represented. Reichenbach’s 1920 account of coordination is particularly interesting in this connection. In his early work, however, the idea of coordination was employed not only to indicate theory-specific fundamental principles such as the ones suggested by Friedman’s relativized a priori, but also to refer to more basic principles. These are preconditions both of the individuation of physical magnitudes and of their measurement, thus necessary to approach the world through measurement in the first instance. This paper aims to reassess Reichenbach’s approach to coordination and to the representation of physical quantities in light of recent literature on measurement and scientific representation.

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Reading Group: Inconsistency in Physics; Next meeting Tue 17 Nov
by Dardashti, Radin Nov. 13, 2015

Nov. 13, 2015

Dear all, the next meeting of the reading group will be on Tuesday (Nov. 17th) at 18:00 in Room 028, Ludwigstraße 31. We will discuss the following papers: Norton, John: "The Force of Newtonian Cosmology: Acceleration is Relative" Wallace, David: "More problems for Newtonian Cosmology" Additional background: Saunders, Simon: "Rethinking Newton's Principia" If you would like to participate, please email me, so I can forward you the readings. Best wishes, Radin

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Talk by Maldacena at ASC (Wed. 18 Nov)
by Dardashti, Radin Nov. 13, 2015

Nov. 13, 2015

Speaker: Juan Maldacena (IAS Princeton) Date: Wed., Nov 18 Location: Theresienstr. 37/III, Room A348/349 Time: 16:15 -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 18:45 Title: Quantum Mechanics and Geometry of Spacetime Abstract: Quantum mechanics is important for determining the geometry of spacetime. We will review the role of quantum fluctuations that determine the large scale structure of the universe. In some model universes we can give an alternative description of the physics in terms of a theory of particles that lives on its boundary. This implies that the geometry is an emergent property. Furthermore, entanglement plays a crucial role in the emergence of geometry. Large amounts of entanglement are conjectured to give rise to geometric connections, or wormholes, between distant and non-interacting systems.

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Talk by Mike Miller at MCMP (Thu. Nov. 12)
by Dardashti, Radin Nov. 10, 2015

Nov. 10, 2015

Speaker: Michael Miller (Pittsburgh) Date: Thu., Nov 12 Location: Ludwigstr. 31, ground floor, room 021 Time: 12:15 -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 13:45 Title: Mathematical Structure and the Meaning of “Quantum Field” Abstract: Standard approaches to the interpretation of physical theories require a structurally unambiguous characterization of the models of a theory. In this talk I argue that the nature of the empirical support for one of our best empirically confirmed theories does not warrant commitment to one particular type of structure as constitutive of the theory. Rather, empirically adequate models rely on a syntax that is compatible with a precisely delimited, but heterogeneous, class of structures. I develop an approach to semantics for physical theories that accommodates this type of constrained structural ambiguity. This approach allows for an understanding of how physical meaning attaches to empirically adequate models of quantum field theory, a desideratum which has not been achieved by standard approaches to semantics for physical theories. Moreover, the approach leads to novel criteria for determining when there is good reason to conclude that elements of the mathematical formalism for a theory have correlates in the physical world.

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Reading Group: Inconsistency in Physics
by Dardashti, Radin Nov. 9, 2015

Nov. 9, 2015

Dear all, our philosophy of physics reading group continues with the topic "Inconsistency in Physics". We explore questions like: What role does consistency play in physics? What is actually meant with consistency in physical theories and are there different kinds of inconsistencies? The reading group aims to explore these and other related debates by discussing the literature on this topic while also having discussion sessions on some of the specific questions. The group holds usually bi-weekly meetings throughout the academic term and is open to all. Starting date: Tuesday, 10 November, 2015, 11am c.t. (after the first session 6pm) Room: Ludwigstr. 31, room 126 The reading for our first session is: - Mathias Frisch: "Inconsistency, Asymmetry, and Non-Locality: A Philosophical Investigation of Classical Electrodynamics", chapter 2. - Peter Vickers: "Understanding Inconsistent Science", chapter 4. Mathias Frisch will be attending the first meeting of the group. Please email me, if you want to participate in the reading group so I can forward you the reading. Best wishes, Radin -- Radin Dardashti Doctoral Fellow Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Ludwigstr. 31 (Room 126) D-80539 München radin.dardashti(a)lrz.uni-muenchen.de http://www.mcmp.philosophie.uni-muenchen.de/people/doct_fellows/dardashti http://radindardashti.weebly.com

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Einladung zur Studie „Berufseinstieg von Studierenden und Absolventen – Erfolgreich im Job ankommen!“
by Marion Bonvin Sept. 22, 2015

Sept. 22, 2015

Liebe Studierende Wie gelingt der optimale Jobeinstieg für Studierende und Absolventen? In einer aktuellen Studie im deutschsprachigen Raum greifen wir genau diese Frage auf und würden uns dabei sehr über Deine Teilnahme freuen! Worum geht es? Das Ziel dieser Studie ist es, Erkenntnisse darüber zu erhalten, wie der Einstieg in eine Organisation optimal gelingt, wie Studierende und Absolventen diese Phase erleben und was dabei für sie entscheidend ist. Die Teilnahme an der Studie erfolgt über Online-Fragebogen und ist streng vertraulich. Deine Angaben werden nur zu statistisch-wissenschaftlichen Zwecken genutzt und auf keinen Fall weitergegeben. Wer sind wir? Die Studie wird am Lehrstuhl für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie der Universität Zürich durchgeführt und von weiteren Institutionen unterstützt. Was hast Du von einer Teilnahme? Du leistest einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Erforschung des Jobeinstiegs und profitierst von … - einem Erkenntnisbericht zu Erfolgsfaktoren beim Jobeinstieg, - einer persönlichen Profil-Analyse (u.a. Dein Stärken-Profil), - und diversen Vergleichswerten bzgl. des Verhaltens und Erlebens von Jobeinsteigern. Zudem kannst Du 400 EUR und 2x100 EUR gewinnen! Hier geht es zur Anmeldung und weiteren Informationen: www.unipark.de/uc/berufseinstieg/ Selbstverständlich kannst Du uns für Fragen zur Studie ebenfalls per E-Mail oder Telefon kontaktieren. Herzlichen Dank für Deine Teilnahme und freundliche Grüsse M.Sc. Christian Gross Studienleitung -- Psychologisches Institut der Universität Zürich Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie Binzmühlestrasse 14/12 CH-8050 Zürich Telefon +41 (0)44 635 72 28 berufseinstieg(a)psychologie.uzh.ch

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GENEVA: PhD Position in Philosophy of Physics or Philosophy of Science
by Christian Wuthrich Sept. 3, 2015

Sept. 3, 2015

Call for Applications: PhD Position in Philosophy of Physics or Philosophy of Science Department of Philosophy University of Geneva The philosophy of physics group at the Department of Philosophy in Geneva solicits applications for a PhD position in philosophy of physics or in philosophy of science. This position is initially for two years, but is renewable for a total of up to five years. Please note that for this position, excellent French will be needed. The full ad in French follows: ***** Le Département de philosophie met au concours : 1 poste d’assistant-e en philosophie de la physique ou philosophie des sciences Conditions : Etre en possession d’une maîtrise universitaire en philosophie, en physique ou en mathématiques ou d’un diplôme équivalent. Des compétences en physique et/ou en philosophie sont souhaitées. S’engager à inscrire une thèse dans le domaine de la philosophie de la physique ou de la philosophie des sciences, de préférence avec une thématique liée à la philosophie de la gravité quantique. Cahier des charges : Il s’agit d’un poste à 7/10e qui passera à 10/10e dès la troisième année. L’assistant-e participera aux enseignements (en français) de Bachelor en assumant en particulier un séminaire de Travaux Pratiques. - 2 h de séminaire hebdomadaires, - correction de travaux, encadrement des étudiant-e-s, - participation aux activités du groupe de recherche du prof. Wüthrich, - tâches administratives. Traitement : Fr 46’247.-- par an en 1ère année pour un(e) assistant(e). Le maximum du traitement est atteint après 4 annuités (Fr 78'528.-- par an). Entrée en fonction : dès que possible, au plus tard le 1er février 2016 Durée du mandat : Les assistant-e-s sont nommé-e-s pour une première période de 2 ans; la nomination est renouvelable pour deux périodes successives, respectivement de 2 ans et de 1 an. Documents requis et délai pour le dépôt des candidatures : - lettre de motivation, - curriculum vitae accompagné de la photocopie du procès-verbal de maîtrise ou de licence, - descriptif des expériences et intérêts de recherche, - une ou deux lettre(s) de recommandation, - un essai démontrant l’aptitude du candidat ou de la candidate. à envoyer par courriel au Professeur Christian Wüthrich christian.wuthrich(a)unige.ch avant le 30 septembre 2015 Dans une perspective de parité, l’Université encourage les candidatures féminines. Pour télécharger le fichier pdf, visitez https://genevasymmetrygroup.wordpress.com/.

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New email distribution list for the philosophy of quantum gravity
by Christian Wuthrich Aug. 17, 2015

Aug. 17, 2015

There is now a new email distribution list to share information about events and opportunities concerning the philosophy of quantum gravity, broadly construed. Anyone can become a subscriber, and any subscriber can send a message to the list. Posts that are off topic will be deleted, however, and their senders blocked. Drive responsibly! To subscribe, go to https://listes.unige.ch/sympa/info/beyondspacetime.

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CFP: Essay Prize on 'Space and Time After Quantum Gravity'
by Christian Wuthrich Aug. 12, 2015

Aug. 12, 2015

Call for Papers: Prize competition for essays on SPACE AND TIME AFTER QUANTUM GRAVITY Run by the University of Geneva-University of Illinois at Chicago 'Space and Time After Quantum Gravity’ project http://beyondspacetime.net/ The investigation of quantum gravity has been central to theoretical physics for at least two decades, but philosophy has only begun to systematically engage with this field in the past few years. The purpose of this competition is to promote new work in the field, and especially engage directly with philosophy and philosophers thus-far outside of quantum gravity. We solicit technically and philosophically informed papers on any topic in the philosophical foundations of quantum gravity. We are particularly (but not exclusively) interested in work that addresses the foci of the 'Space and Time After Quantum Gravity' project: Does quantum gravity eliminate spacetime as fundamental structure? How does quantum gravity explain the appearance of spacetime? What are the broader implications of quantum gravity for metaphysical (and other) accounts of the world? We anticipate awarding up to three prizes, of $1000 each. Winners must agree to visit one of the project centers, either in Chicago or Geneva (travel expenses of up to $500 will be provided) to present their work. Moreover, winning papers are to be published in one of two volumes produced by the project: the first containing more technical papers for specialists and physicists, the second aimed for a more general philosophical audience. Papers of both kinds are encouraged. Papers should be anonymized for blind refereeing. Papers under 9,000 words will be preferred. ABD graduate students or recent PhDs are particularly invited to submit abstracts, as are women and underrepresented minorities. Deadline: November 30, 2015 (decisions by February 14, 2016) Papers (and all correspondence) should be sent to beyondspacetimeseminar(a)gmail.com. The Organizing Committee will select the successful submissions among all abstracts within the purview of the conference based on expert refereeing by the Review Committee. Organizing Committee: Nick Huggett Keizo Matsubara Christian Wuthrich This competition is funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

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Call for Applications: JUNIOR FELLOWSHIP in PHILOSOPHY OF QUANTUM GRAVITY, Geneva
by Christian Wuthrich Aug. 7, 2015

Aug. 7, 2015

Call for Applications: JUNIOR FELLOWSHIP in PHILOSOPHY OF QUANTUM GRAVITY University of Geneva The philosophy of physics group at the Department of Philosophy in Geneva solicits applications for a one-year junior visiting fellowship for advanced PhD students, starting Fall 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is funded by the John Templeton Foundation grant 'Space and Time after Quantum Gravity'. Candidates must be ABD in a PhD program at an accredited university, working on a dissertation in the philosophy of quantum gravity, broadly construed. The fellowship will provide support for the successful candidate to spend a year away from their home institution to work with the project's Geneva group led by Professor Christian Wüthrich, and to benefit from interactions with project members and from participation in the project's activities. The successful candidate will participate in a tutoring program directed by Professor Wüthrich. They will be expected to participate in weekly group meetings during term, help with the administration and organization of the group's activities, and contribute to the group’s research and outreach efforts. Fluency in English is required. More information on the project and the research group is available at http://beyondspacetime.net/. The fellowship is fixed-term for one year, although we will consider applications for a six-month period. The salary will depend on the candidate's prior experience, but is expected to be around CHF 51,000. Research funds will be available for travel to relevant conferences and to visit the project's other group at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The successful candidate will remain a student at their home institution, and will not be admitted into any degree program at Geneva. The fellowship will not cover any costs (such as tuition and fees) at the home institution. Applications must contain a cover letter detailing the pertinent experience and motivation for the position, a CV, a 1-2 page description of the dissertation project, one writing sample, and two letters of reference (sent under separate cover). They should be sent to Professor Christian Wüthrich at christian.wuthrich(a)unige.ch. Review of the files will begin on September 14, 2015 and continue until the position is filled. Candidates files will be reviewed by qualified members of the Scientific Advisory Committee, and the best qualified candidate will be selected by Professors Huggett and Wüthrich. Applications from women and underrepresented minorities are encouraged. For more information, please contact Professor Christian Wüthrich at christian.wuthrich(a)unige.ch.

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