The Department of Philosophy of the University of Twente in the Netherlands is looking for a Ph.D. Student (M/F, full time) for the project “Cultural, Political and Religious Ideologies and the Appraisal of New Media” 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 € 2.000,- in the first year going up to € 2.558,- in the fourth year (€ 27.456,- and € 35.699,- per annum, respectively, including vacation pay and end-of-year bonus). The position also comes with a personal budget of € 8.000,- 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.