[agents] PhD candidate in Collective Reasoning

[Leon VAN DER TORRE]

The Individual and Collective Reasoning (ICR) Group at the University of 
Luxembourg, and the Department of Ethics, Social and Political 
Philosophy (ESPP) at the University of Groningen is looking for a:

*Doctoral candidate (PhD student) in Collective Reasoning* (M/F).

  * Ref:F1-070075
  * 2+2-year fixed-term contract, full-time (40h/week)
  * Beginning earliest May, 2015

Area: Collective reasoning


          Your Role

The successful candidate will participate in the activities of the ICR 
Group (icr.uni.lu) led by Prof. Leon van der Torre at the University of 
Luxembourg (year 1 and 2), and in the Department of ESPP at the 
University of Groningen led by Prof. Frank Hindriks (year 3 and 4). You 
will obtain a joint degree from both institutions (cotutelle).

The goal of the PhD project is to develop and evaluate a conceptual, 
formal and computational framework for the analysis of collective 
reasoning and decision-making. The aim is to advance understanding of 
mutually beneficial and normatively appropriate choices in cooperative 
settings. Applications can concern expert panels and committee 
decision-making in general, and, for instance, central bank monetary 
policy committees, climate panels, medical ethical committees, and 
parliamentary committees in particular.

Within this goal, the candidate is asked to submit a work plan, 
explaining how philosophy and artificial intelligence can benefit from 
each other. Whereas philosophers focus on the interaction between 
notions such as intentions, goals, beliefs, reasons, obligations and 
values - aimed at articulating an account of rational action - computer 
scientists address the overall architecture of an intelligent agent 
involving similar notions. The research statement must address these 
issues at the collective level and focus on notions such as joint 
intentions, collective rationality, collective obligations, and shared 
valuing. It may draw on theories such as judgment aggregation, team 
reasoning, and shared valuing as used in social ontology, and it may 
employ tools from deontic logic and normative multi-agent systems.

The tasks for the PhD student will be to:

  * Write a doctoral dissertation
  * Disseminate results through scientific publications
  * Assist the professors in their teaching activities

For further inquiries please contact:

Prof. Leon van der Torre, leon.vandertorre at uni.lu or
Prof. Frank Hindriks f.a.hindriks at rug.nl


          Your Profile

  * A Master degree in Philosophy, Computer Science or a related discipline
  * A proven interest in Interest in interdisciplinary research, and
    both conceptual and formal aspect
  * Background in practical reasoning, knowledge representation, applied
    logic, multi-agent systems, or social ontology,
  * Strong analytical capacities, creativity, and commitmen
  *   Excellent written and oral English skills.


          We offer

A 2+2-year contract, full-time (40 hours/week). The first two years will 
be mainly spent in Luxembourg, and the last two years will be mainly 
spent in Groningen. Universities offer competitive salaries and are 
equal opportunity employers. You will work in an exciting international 
environment and will have the opportunity to participate in two 
excellent research environments.


          Further Information

Applications should be written in English and include the following 
documents:

  *   An introduction letter indicating your motivation,
  * A detailed Curriculum vitae
  * A transcript of the grades you received in your Bachelor and Master
  * A short description of your master thesis
  * A work plan proposal of 800 words.

Interested candidates are invited to send their complete application 
including CV and copies of diploma ON LINE before March 31, 2015. Follow 
the link at the bottom of the following webpage:

*http://emea3.mrted.ly/lli8*