Dear ISHers, 

Here are a couple of announcements:
(1) Visiting Fellowships at The Center for Philosophy of Science - University of Pittsburgh- Deadline Dec. 8
(2) Talk - Eric Hochstein - Mechanistic Mayhem - Dec. 6th

Have a good day, 
Lucie

(1) Visiting Fellowships at The Center for Philosophy of Science - University of Pittsburgh- Deadline Dec. 8
The Center for Philosophy of Science invites applications for visiting fellowships for the fall and/or spring term of the 2025-2026 academic year. These fellowships allow philosophers of science to work on their nominated research projects in a supportive academic environment. Ten fellowships are offered each year.
Eligibility:
  • Applicants must hold a doctoral degree, preferably in philosophy or history and philosophy of science, or have an established position in the philosophy of science community.
  • We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
Support:
  • Research must be funded by the applicant's university, a foundation, or a governmental agency.
  • A stipend of $2,500 per month will be provided to help cover relocation costs.
Expectations:
  • Visiting Fellows have no formal duties but are expected to reside in Pittsburgh and engage in full-time research in their designated office at the Center for Philosophy of Science.
  • Fellows should participate in the Center’s activities by attending and giving talks and contributing to discussion groups.
Required Documents for Application:
  • Cover Letter: A letter indicating your interest in a Visiting Fellowship that includes the proposed period of residence, details of any previous Fellowships at the Center, the source and amount of anticipated funding, and a statement regarding the need for supplementary funds.
  • Project Description: A 500-1000-word description of the project you intend to undertake during your residency.
  • Curriculum Vitae: A current CV detailing your academic background and experience.
  • Writing Sample: A sample of your written work that showcases your research and writing abilities.
  • Letters of Reference: Three letters of reference from knowledgeable scholars. We recommend that these letters be blinded to the applicant. Please email all letters directly to [log in to unmask].
Applications are due by December 8th, 2024, and must be submitted electronically on the University of Pittsburgh jobs portal. Apply Here https://cfopitt.taleo.net/careersection/pitt_faculty_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=24007691&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York
More information and link to apply can be found here: https://www.centerphilsci.pitt.edu/programs/visiting-fellows/program-overview/
We look forward to reviewing your application!

(2) Talk - Eric Hochstein - Mechanistic Mayhem - Dec. 6th
The Center for Philosophy of Science invites you to join us for our Lunch Time Talk.  Attend in person, Room 1117 on the 11th floor of the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh or visit our live stream on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg.    
Lunch Time Talk -  Eric Hochstein  
Friday, December 6th @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT

Title: Mechanistic Mayhem
Abstract: Mechanistic theories of explanation are widely held in the philosophy of science, especially in  philosophy of biology, neuroscience and cognitive science. While such theories remain dominant in the field, there have been an increasing number of challenges raised against them over the past decade.  These challenges include arguments that mechanistic explanations can lead to incoherence, triviality, or deviate too far from how scientists in the life sciences genuinely employ the term “mechanism”.  In this talk, I argue that these disputes are fueled, in part, by the running together of distinct questions and concerns regarding mechanisms, representations of mechanisms, and mechanistic explanation. More care and attention to how these are distinct from one another, but also the various ways they might relate, can help to defuse some of these disputes.