Abstract:

Orthodox quantum theory tells us that properties of quantum systems are represented by self-adjoint operators, and that two properties are incompatible just in case their respective operators do not commute. We present a puzzle for this orthodoxy, pinpointing the exact assumptions at play. Our solution to the puzzle specifically challenges the assumption that non-commuting operators represent in compatible properties. Instead, they represent incompatible levels of specification of determinates for a single determinable. This solution yields insight into the nature of so-called quantum indeterminacy and demonstrates a new and fruitful application of the determinable-determinate relation in quantum theory.

Based on joint work with David Taylor (Minnesota)

https://kingsphilosophy.com/bbloc/

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/undergraduate-taster-day-philosophy-november-2022

Sign up to our undergraduate taster day to experience what teaching might be like if you study at King’s.

Learn about the puzzles of non-existence, Kant on moral value and get the chance to interact with current students and staff.

Event schedule:

• 14:00-14:20 – Welcome and Introduction with Dr Jess Leech
• 14:20-15:00 – ‘Kant on Moral Value’ with Dr John Callanan
• 15:00-15:40 – Break and refreshments
• 15:40-16:00 – ‘Knowing what you are’ with Dr Adrian Alsmith
• 16:00-16:40 – ‘Puzzles about Non-Existence’ with Professor Mark Textor 
• 16:40-17:00 – Q&A with current students and academics
• 17:00 onwards – Optional campus tours

We hope you can join us!

Neil Dewar (Cambridge): “Equivalence and Convention”
BBLOC Seminar

Thursday 17 March 2022, 4:30pm
K2.40, King’s College London Strand Campus, Strand, WC2R 2LS
Please register here

Abstract: In this paper, I discuss the relationship between theoretical equivalence and convention. After reviewing the idea that when we disagree over a (mere) convention, we are advocating theoretically equivalent descriptions, I consider the possibility of conventions about equivalence – i.e., conventions as to what standard of theoretical equivalence should be adopted. I argue that Carnap’s Principle of Tolerance illuminates what to say about such cases, despite initial impressions to the contrary.

https://jobs.kcl.ac.uk/gb/en/job/025965/Lectureship-in-Political-Philosophy

https://jobs.kcl.ac.uk/gb/en/job/025928/Lectureship-in-Ethics-or-Epistemology

Political Philosophy:

The Philosophy Department at King’s College London is seeking an outstanding philosopher with research expertise and teaching experience in political philosophy. Research specialization, competence and ability to teach and supervise students at all levels in political philosophy are required.

Research or teaching expertise or competence in areas that will help widen or consolidate our curriculum are desirable. These areas include, but are not limited to, non-Western philosophy, logic, and philosophical issues concerning race and gender.

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract. This is a full-time post – 100% full time equivalent. Closing date: 3rd August.

Ethics or Epistemology:

The Philosophy Department at King’s College London is seeking an outstanding philosopher with research expertise and teaching experience in ethics or epistemology, broadly construed. Research specialization, competence and ability to teach at all levels and supervise postgraduate students in one of those areas are required. 

Research, teaching expertise or competence in areas that will help widen or consolidate our curriculum are desirable. These areas include, but are not limited to, non-Western philosophy, logic, and philosophical issues concerning race and gender. 

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract. This is a full-time post – 100% full time equivalent. Closing date: 3rd August.

King’s Philosophy Department is one of the largest and most distinguished departments in the UK. We have particular research strengths in the history of philosophy, philosophy of mind and psychology, philosophy of language and logic, metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of science, and moral and political philosophy. 

Further information 

Applicants should include the following with their application:  

(1)    CV, with a list of publications  

(2)    a personal statement (around 500-1,000 words) 

(3)    the names and contact details of two referees 

(4)    two recent pieces of research on a topic relevant to the post of no more than 8,000 words each (these may be indicated portions of a larger piece of work).  

The Department will request references for longlisted candidates.  Presentations and interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place online. Start date: as early as possible during the academic year 2021-22. 

We welcome applications from all and encourage applications especially from members of groups underrepresented in UK academic Philosophy and from people marginalised on any of the grounds enumerated under the UK Equality Act 2010. 

The Birmingham-Bristol-London-Oxford-Cambridge (BBLOC) Philosophy of Physics seminar, hosted by King’s College London will be meeting on 18th March 2021 4:30-6pm GMT. Tushar Menon will be giving a talk with the title ‘Metaphysical Indeterminacy in Noncommutative Geometry’.

More details and Zoom link here: https://kingsphilosophy.com/bbloc/

All are welcome!

Abstract: In this talk, I introduce a family of approaches to quantum geometry that collectively go under the name of `noncommutative geometries’ (NCGs), expressed in the formalism of spectral triples, developed by Alain Connes and collaborators. I will discuss an interesting interpretative puzzle to which spectral triples give rise: what we might call the `indeterminacy of location’ puzzle.

‘Indeterminacy of location’ applies to situations in which, for whatever reason, according to the theory, nature does not ascribe to an entity a determinate a matter of fact about its spatial location below a particular scale. The puzzle, accordingly, is to characterise this particular brand of indeterminacy and understand the consequent metaphysical commitments of NCGs regarding space. I demonstrate how we can marshal some standard metaphysical and semantic resources to solve this puzzle.

[This talk is based on work done in collaboration with Nick Huggett and Fedele Lizzi]

The Birmingham-Bristol-London-Oxford-Cambridge (BBLOC) Philosophy of Physics seminar, hosted by King’s College London will be meeting on 19th November 2020 4:30-6pm GMT. Emily Adlam will be giving a talk with the title ‘Spooky Action at a Temporal Distance’. 

More details and Zoom link here: https://kingsphilosophy.com/bbloc/

All are welcome!

Please follow this link to find out about a wonderful participatory research project Kneading Knowledge. You can sign up for virtual cookery classes facilitated by the charity Migrateful, which supports asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants on their journey to employment, independence and integration by offering cookery classes where migrant chefs share their cuisine and stories. The classes are for KCL students, staff, and members of the public. 

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/kneading-knowledge

New article in the New Statesman by our own Prof David Papineau argues that we should pay more attention to team reasoning.

The Philosophy Department at King’s College London is seeking an outstanding philosopher with research expertise and teaching experience in areas of philosophy with impact, application, and significance in relation to medicine, to lead the Peter Sowerby Project Philosophy & Medicine in its strategic, research, teaching, and organizational respects:: http://philosophyandmedicine.org/

The successful candidate will show evidence of excellence in research and will have the ability to teach to the highest professional standards at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including the designing and convening of modules, lecturing, seminar teaching, providing formative feedback, supervising dissertations at all levels, and examining.
The successful candidate will have pastoral duties as a personal tutor for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and will undertake administrative duties as required by the Head of Department.

This is a permanent post, to begin on 1st November 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter.

For more information, click here.

The Philosopher Queens, edited by former King’s Philosophy undergraduate Rebecca Buxton, and Lisa Whiting is available for pre-order here: https://unbound.com/books/philosopher-queens/

“For all the young women and girls sitting in philosophy class wondering where the women are, this is the book for you. This collection of 21 chapters, each on a prominent woman in philosophy, looks at the impact that women have had on the field throughout history. From Hypatia to Angela Davis, The Philosopher Queens will be a guide to these badass women and how their amazing ideas have changed the world.

“This book is written both for newcomers to philosophy, as well as all those professors who know that they could still learn a thing or two. This book is also for those many people who have told us that there are no great women philosophers.”

The chapter on Angela Davis, by Professor Anita L. Allen, is available for free here: https://thephilosopherqueens.co.uk/angeladavis