Philosophy Department
St. Olaf College
The Philosophy Department at St. Olaf is seeking a Ph.D. or A.B.D. to teach the history and philosophy of science. This is a one-year position, starting in the fall of 2008. We need someone to teach, at minimum, a mid-level Philosophy of Science course and the team-taught course described below. The total number of courses to be taught will be negotiated, but it could range from two to six (full-time). The position provides a summer stipend for preparation of the team-taught course, which is scheduled for the fall of 2008.
From Certainty to Novelty: Classical, Quantum and Beyond This course explores the fundamental transformation in our conception of the physical world since the sixteenth century. The classical view suggests our universe is a grand machine determined by universal laws and causal regularities. The quantum revolution of the early twentieth century and its extensions into our own time have emphasized indeterminacy, entanglement, complexity, and emergent novelty. This revolution in thought will be investigated from scientific, philosophical, and theological perspectives. Topics are drawn from the following list: the Copernican revolution, Newtonian physics, Darwinian evolution, relativity theory, quantum mechanics. Students will engage in interdisciplinary discussions of primary texts in a seminar setting. In addition, students will gain hands-on scientific experience by recreating and interpreting classic experiments. (Team taught with a member of the physics department.)
To apply send a letter of interest, CV, three letters of recommendation, and evidence of teaching excellence to:
Corliss Swain, Chair
Department of Philosophy
St. Olaf College
1520 St. Olaf Avenue
Northfield, MN 55057
E-mail applications will be accepted. Send to littlet@stolaf.edu
Applications will be received until the position is filled.
The Saint Olaf College Recruitment Statement can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/offices/doc/jobs/Jobs%20Archive/recruitingstatement.html
A liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), St. Olaf College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity in its students, faculty, and staff.