Supported by a major multi-year grant from the European Research Development Fund, the Centre for Ethics as Study in Human Value brings together an internationally diverse group of researchers who conduct cutting edge research on issues surrounding the distinctive value of human life, and the ways in which this value may be either recognised or overlooked in both personal and political contexts. The Centre's aim is to develop a conception of the nature and value of humanity and to apply it to a range of personal and political issues, including attitudes towards marginalised groups and issues surrounding populism, nationalism, religious conflict, migration and a changing European identity. The Centre has working links with partner institutions including King's College, London and the University of Melbourne, Australia. Alongside conducting research, a key part of the Centre’s mission is to foster the development of the next generation of academics specialising in practical philosophy. To its PhD students, it offers an inspiring environment, support for living costs, funding opportunities for travel, and the opportunity to engage in the philosophical work of the Centre, including participation in conferences, workshops and seminars. (More information about the Centre and its research activities can be found here: https://centreforethics.upce.cz/en)
The Centre invites applicants from students working in ethics and political philosophy, broadly construed. Examples of possible research projects:
- The value of humanity; disregarded human value (nationalism, racism, xenophobia, social exclusion, poverty, affliction); love and hatred; emotions in political discourse; decent society and the virtue of civility
- Socrates’ and Plato´s conception of love; ethical topics from Bernard Williams, Iris Murdoch and Raimond Gaita; Wittgensteinian approaches to moral philosophy
- Good and evil; remorse, punishment, forgiveness; love and goodness
- Theory of action; wrongdoing, self-deception, akrasia and addiction, virtue ethics, moral change, ethics and historicity, questions of personhood and self-development
- Morality in philosophy and art; philosophy and literature
- The role of theory in ethics; questions of philosophical method in ethics
- Understanding others; intimacy, strangeness and alienation
- Kantian moral philosophy; dignity and human rights; impartiality and attachment
- Health, luck and justice; the philosophical foundations of health and healthcare
Applicants are encouraged to contact a prospective supervisor in the Centre in advance in order to discuss the suitability of their proposal. Possible supervisors include: Ondřej Beran, Michael Campbell, Christopher Cordner, Niklas Forsberg, Nora Hämäläinen, Tomáš Hejduk, Kamila Pacovská, Hugo Strandberg. Possible consultants: Marina Barabas, Raimond Gaita. (For research profiles see https://centreforethics.upce.cz/en/team)
Full-time, resident students admitted to the PhD programme at the Department of Philosophy pay no tuition fees, and receive a modest monthly stipend to alleviate living expenses for a study period of up to three years. Additionally, one doctoral candidate will be offered the position of Research Assistant in the Centre, to be held concurrently with their studies. The Research Assistant’s duties are to conduct basic research and to assist in the running of the Centre’s research activities. This is a fully funded appointment for three years, with a competitive salary and benefits such as health insurance. Decision about this appointment will be based on the quality of the Research Proposal and its general fit with the research agenda of the Centre. When applying for the PhD programme, applicants should indicate whether they would like to be considered for this position.
The working language of the PhD programme and of the Centre is English and applicants should have a good grasp of academic English, both written and spoken. No knowledge of Czech is required.
The University of Pardubice is located within walking distance from the historical centre of Pardubice, a charming city in the heart of Europe. Pardubice is well connected by train to several major European cities, including Prague (1 hour) and Vienna (3 hours) and by air direct to London.
Application deadline: May 31st, 2018
Interviews: mid June
Decision: by the end of June 2018
Starting date: October 1st, 2018
Information about admission requirements and procedure:
https://filosofie.upce.cz/en/admission-exams-1
Contact for inquiries:
Dr. Ondřej Beran (ondrej.beran@upce.cz)
Doc. Niklas Forsberg (niklas.forsberg@upce.cz)