For the project “Cultural, Political and Religious Ideologies
and the Appraisal of New Media”
Women are strongly encouraged to apply
The PhD position is part of a prestigious and exciting international research project in
philosophy named “Evaluating the Cultural Quality of New Media”. This five-year project,
which includes six researchers and involves collaboration with leading international
scholars and research centres, has as its aim to develop a framework for better normative
analyses of new media and new media culture, especially in relation to their contribution to
the quality of life (”the good life”) and the quality of society. Project leader is Prof. Dr.
Philip Brey. The project is part of a new international Centre of Excellence in Ethics and
Technology (http://www.ethicsandtechnology.eu) of the departments of philosophy of
Twente University, Delft University of Technology and Eindhoven University of Technology.
Objectives
The aim of the PhD project is to perform a study of interpretations and evaluations of new
media and their consequences that are made by representatives of major ideologies or
worldviews, with the aim of assessing how they relate to conceptions of the good life and
the good society held by these ideologies. It will involve a study of liberal,
communitarian, conservative, religious and post materialist evaluations of new media, and
the assessment of what the benefits and harms of new media cultures are and how these
can be evaluated within these ideologies. It will also provide normative critiques of
current ideological stances regarding new media.
Profile
A Master’s degree or equivalent degree in philosophy, preferably with a background in
ethics and/or social or political philosophy.
Consideration will also be given to candidates with a multidisciplinary Master’s degree on
a topic relevant to the project and some background in philosophy, and to exceptional
(international) candidates with only a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.
Demonstrable interest in philosophical issues relating to information technology and new
media (but previous work in this area not required). Good analytical skills. Good
communication skills in English, in writing as well as orally. Good team spirit. Creativity,
open-mindedness, and an ability to develop new ideas.
Offer
A four-year full-time Ph.D. position, preferably starting April 1, 2008. The gross salary is
EUR2.000,- in the first year going up to EUR2.558,- in the fourth year (EUR27.456,- and
EUR35.699,- per annum, respectively, including vacation pay and end-of-year bonus).
The position also comes with a personal budget of EUR8.000,- for travel and conference
attendance.
Information and application
A description of the PhD project, the overall project of which it is a part and a FAQ can be
retrieved from http://www.ceptes.nl/vici. Applicants are advised to read these texts before
applying. For questions not answered on the website please contact the project leader,
Prof. dr. Philip Brey (e-mail: p.a.e.brey@utwente.nl).
Your application should contain the following documents: a letter of application which
explains your interest in the position and your qualifications for it, as well as some
suggestions on how you would want to approach the project you apply for; a curriculum
vitae which includes the name and e-mail address/telephone number of one of your
professors, preferably the supervisor of your master’s thesis; a copy of your thesis; copies
of publications, if any; an academic transcript that contains a list of subjects taken and
grades received (this may be an unofficial version or scanned copy; we can request the
original later).
Your application can be sent before March 7, 2008 by e-mail (preferred) or by normal post
to dr. ir. J.F.C. Verberne (e-mail: pz-gw@gw.utwente.nl), managing director of the Faculty
of Behavioural Sciences, University of Twente, PO Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the
Netherlands. Vacancy number: 08/035.
Job interviews will be held on March 13 and/or 14, 2008. Women are strongly encouraged
to apply.
Katinka Waelbers, MA MSc
Department of Philosophy
Faculty of Behavioural Sciences
University of Twente
Room B225, Cubicus Building
Campus University of Twente, Enschede
P.O. Box 217, NL 7500 AE Enschede
Phone: +31-53-4893630
Email: k.waelbers@utwente.nl
Web: http://www.gw.utwente.nl/wijsb
Web: www.utwente.nl/ceptes
