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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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Why trust a theory (LMU Munich, 7-9 December 2015)
by Karim Thébault July 2, 2015

July 2, 2015

********************************************* WHY TRUST A THEORY? RECONSIDERING SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY IN LIGHT OF MODERN PHYSICS LMU Munich 7-9 December 2015 www.lmu.de/whytrustatheory2015 ********************************************* Fundamental physics today faces increasing difficulties to find conclusive empirical confirmation of its theories. Some empirically unconfirmed or inconclusively confirmed theories in the field have nevertheless attained a high degree of trust among their exponents and are de facto treated as well established theories. This situation raises a number of questions that are of substantial importance for the future development of fundamental physics. Can a high degree of trust in an empirically unconfirmed or inconclusively confirmed theory be scientifically justified? Does the extent to which empirically unconfirmed theories are trusted today constitute a substantial change of the character of scientific reasoning? Might some important theories of contemporary fundamental physics be empirically untestable in principle? The workshop will be centred around an in-depth discussion of these and other related questions, with a particular focus on the methodological and philosophical aspects. As such, it will be an interdisciplinary event, involving physicists and philosophers of science. It will bring together main exponents of important theories in fundamental physics, physicists who have expressed criticism of the current strategies of theory assessment in fundamental physics and philosophers who have thought about those issues. INVITED SPEAKERS: Peter Achinstein (Johns Hopkins University) Matthias Bartelmann (University of Heidelberg) Radin Dardashti (LMU Munich) Richard Dawid (LMU Munich) Gia Dvali (LMU Munich) George Ellis (University of Cape Town) David Gross (UC Santa Barbara and Kavli Institute) Sabine Hossenfelder (NORDITA, Stockholm) Nick Huggett (University of Illinois at Chicago) Gordon Kane (University of Michigan) Viatcheslav Mukhanov (LMU Munich) Massimo Pigliucci (CUNY, New York) Joseph Polchinski (UC Santa Barbara and Kvali Institute) Carlo Rovelli (University of Aix Marseilles) Joseph Silk (Johns Hopkins Univ. & Universite Pierre et Marie Curie) Chris Smeenk (Western University) Karim Thébault (LMU Munich) Chris Wüthrich (University of Geneva)

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Fwd: [Mpqth-announce] Talk by Jordi Tura this Thursday at 16:00
by Michael Cuffaro June 16, 2015

June 16, 2015

Dear all, this may be of interest to some of you (though unfortunately I cannot attend myself): -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: [Mpqth-announce] Talk by Jordi Tura this Thursday at 16:00 Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2015 14:08:49 +0200 From: Gemma De las Cuevas <Gemma.DelasCuevas(a)mpq.mpg.de> To: mpqth-announce(a)mpq.mpg.de Dear all, Our guest Jordi Tura (from ICFO, close to Barcelona) will give a talk this Thursday 18.6. at 16:00 in our seminar room about Bell's nonlocality in many-body 1-D systems. Abstract: It has been recently shown that Bell's nonlocality can be revealed in many-body systems which are permutationally invariant by only measuring two-body correlations. Also, for translationally invariant systems with a small (n<6) number of particles, this has been shown to be the case. In this talk, I will discuss how one can study 1-D systems with a large number of parties efficiently. I will start by introducing the technique of dynamic programming, that allows to efficiently calculate the classical limit of any Bell inequality for 1-D systems. Then I will focus on giving a lower bound on the quantum limit of such an inequality, by doing appropriate measurements, such that the resulting Bell operator can be mapped to a system of free fermions. Finally, I will focus on the translationally invariant case, where analytically closed expressions can be given. This will replace our quantum coffee. Everybody is welcome! Best, Gemma _______________________________________________ Mpqth-announce mailing list Mpqth-announce(a)mpq.mpg.de http://post.rzg.mpg.de/mailman/listinfo/mpqth-announce

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Talk by Miklós Rédei (LSE) at MCMP today
by Dardashti, Radin June 15, 2015

June 15, 2015

Speaker: Miklós Rédei (LSE) Date: Mon., June 15 Location: Ludwigstr. 31, ground floor, room 021 Time: 18:15 -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 19:45 Title: Quantum probability theory Abstract: The seminar presents quantum theory as non-commutative probability theory, and the theory of von Neumann algebras as the non-commutative measure theory that serves as the general framework for quantum probability theory -- very much like classical measure theory is the framework for classical probability theory. The main results of the Murray-von Neumann classification theory of types of von Neumann algebras is recalled and the different types of von Neumann algebras are portrayed as yielding all the types of quantum probability spaces that are needed to model quantum systems. After pointing out the structural similarities of classical and quantum probability theory it is shown that a straightforward frequency interpretation of quantum probability theory is not possible. The seminar states the so-called "Kolmogorovian Censorship Hypothesis", which attempts to secure a frequency interpretation of quantum probability by interpreting quantum probabilities as classical conditional probabilities. The unattractive features of the Kolmogorovian Censorship Hypothesis are analyzed. The seminar is based on : M. Redei: "Kolmogorovian Censorship Hypothesis for general quantum probability theories" Manuscrito – Revista Internacional de Filosofia 33 (2010) 365-380

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