Missions

1) General research framework. The postdoctoral researcher will work at the IHPST (Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology) on the “AxDef” (Axiomatic Definitions) project funded by the ANR (French National Research Agency), under the supervision of Pierre Wagner (professor at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University). The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the objectives of the AxDef project, which focuses on definitions and in particular axiomatic definitions, through research activities (publishing articles, contributing to a collective volume, organizing a seminar and a conference). The AxDef project (2024-2027) is run jointly in three laboratories: the Gilles Gaston Granger Center (UMR 7304), the Sphere Laboratory (UMR 7219), and the IHPST (UMR 8590).

2) Short description of the objectives of the AxDef project. The AxDef project aims to provide a renewed historical and theoretical analysis of definitions and axioms, in particular axiomatic definitions. The research developed at the IHPST (where the recruited person will work) is devoted to the theoretical dimension of the project, without excluding, on a secondary basis, a historical dimension. The aim is to study the logical form, adequacy criteria, and epistemic functions of definitions (and axioms), challenging the classical view according to which definitions play no role in axiomatized theories other than that of abbreviation, since axioms can be considered as definitions or implicit characterizations of the primitive terms that appear in the axioms. The project takes into account different approaches to definitions and axioms, both semantic and syntactic, as well as contemporary literature on the functions of mathematical definitions. It critically examines the idea that explicit definitions, functioning as mere abbreviations, are epistemically neutral in the sense that they have no epistemic function or epistemic cost. Other aspects of the project concern, for example, the fruitfulness of definitions, or their analytical character, and the relationship between such features and the ideal of epistemic neutrality. Another way of challenging the traditional view is to observe that an explicit definition, far from merely offering abbreviated convenience, also selects a term or formula to express content that deserves special attention and, as such, plays a crucial role in the development of theories. Ultimately, the aim of the project is to clarify and discuss these different dimensions of definition in relation to the contemporary literature on the subject.

Activités

Development of a personal or collaborative research focus within the AxDef project.
Authoring or co-authoring of several research articles on axiomatic definitions and definitions in general.
Co-organization of a philosophy of logic conference on definitions and axioms.
Co-organization of a research seminar on definitions and axioms.
Participation in a collective publication on the theme of the AxDef project.

Compétences

Recent PhD in philosophy of logic and mathematics. Good knowledge of logic and, if possible, mathematics, with a mastery of definition theory and, ideally, knowledge of scientific literature on definitions and axioms. Experience in research and scientific publication. Ability to communicate and argue. Ability to learn and develop skills. Aptitude for teamwork and collaboration. Sense of initiative. Autonomy, organizational skills (for seminars and conferences) and ability to report. Ability to work in accordance with rules and procedures. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, in the context of scientific research.

Contexte de travail

The host laboratory (IHPST) is a joint research unit (UMR) supervised by the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research) and Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. The research will be carried out at the IHPST, located at 13 rue du Four in Paris, on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Maison de la Philosophie Marin Mersenne at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. The IHPST (https://ihpst.pantheonsorbonne.fr/) hosts a team of around fifteen researchers (CNRS) and professors (Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University) in the philosophy of science (including philosophy of logic, mathematics, and computer science), as well as about forty PhD students and three research support staff. The IHPST maintains numerous national and international collaborations and encourages interdisciplinary work. The research unit has offices for researchers (including PhD and post-doctoral students), a library, a reading room, a conference room, and a common room, and offers the usual research tools (videoconferencing, recording and broadcasting systems, printers, workstations, access to online digital resources, etc.).

Contraintes et risques

The successful candidate is expected to work on a daily basis at the laboratory's premises. Short trips within France and abroad may be required.