Return-Path: Delivery-Date: Received: from ted.cs.uidaho.edu by swan.cl.cam.ac.uk with SMTP (PP-6.2); Thu, 3 Sep 1992 10:15:44 +0100 Received: by ted.cs.uidaho.edu (16.6/1.34) id AA14519; Thu, 3 Sep 92 02:06:33 -0700 Sender: info-hol-request@edu.uidaho.cs.ted Errors-To: info-hol-request@edu.uidaho.cs.ted Precedence: bulk Received: from [192.100.78.20] by ted.cs.uidaho.edu (16.6/1.34) id AA14514; Thu, 3 Sep 92 02:06:22 -0700 Received: from UKACRL.BITNET by ib.rl.ac.uk (IBM VM SMTP V2R1) with BSMTP id 0021; Thu, 03 Sep 92 10:06:03 BST Received: from RL.IB by UKACRL.BITNET (Mailer R2.07) with BSMTP id 3059; Thu, 03 Sep 92 10:05:59 BST Received: from RL.IB by UK.AC.RL.IB (Mailer R2.07) with BSMTP id 4799; Thu, 03 Sep 92 10:05:57 BST Via: UK.AC.ED.CASTLE; 3 SEP 92 10:05:03 BST From: D MacKenzie Subject: 'Sociology of proof' job To: info-hol@edu.uidaho.cs.ted Organisation: Edinburgh University Telephone: 031 650 3980 (secy. on 650 4000) Date: Thu, 3 Sep 92 10:03:55 GMT Message-Id: <9209031004.aa29399@castle.ed.ac.uk> ADVANCE NOTICE OF POSSIBLE RESEARCH POST IN SOCIOLOGY OF MATHEMATICAL PROOF Donald MacKenzie (Department of Sociology, University of Edinburgh) and Alan Bundy (Artificial Intelligence, Edinburgh) expect to advertise over the next few weeks for a postdoctoral Research Fellow. The post will be on their project 'Studies in the Sociology of Proof', which is being funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. 'Sociology of proof' refers to social factors (such as, for example, disciplinary background) underpinning different notions of what kind of mathematical argument constitutes a proof. In particular, we will be examining issues raised by the use of computers in the construction of proofs. Topics to be studied include: - the debate over proofs of correctness of programs - different evaluations of the Appel/Haken proof of the four colour conjecture - possible sources of future controversy about the soundness of the product of automated theorem provers. For an example of the kind of topic we want to address, see D. MacKenzie, 'The Fangs of the VIPER', Nature, vol. 352 (8 August 1991), 467-68. As well as examination of published literature, the research will involve several dozen interviews (primarily with mathematicians and computer scientists) in Britain and the U.S. The post would require: EITHER a relevant scientific background (e.g. in mathematics, computer science, or artificial intelligence; and ideally, but not necessarily, with experience of automated theorem proving) together with: (a) an interest in the social, philosophical and even political issues that surround proof; and (b) a willingness to learn interview skills. OR a social science background (ideally, but not necessarily, in the sociology of scientific knowledge) together with the ability and willingness to come to grips with the technical material involved. It is anticipated that the job will begin on 1 November 1992 for twenty months. The first six months are intended primarily as a training period in which necessary skills can be learnt. It is expected that the appointment will be on the 1A research scale, with placement according to age and experience up to a maximum of point 9 (17,827 pounds per annum - under review). Those wishing to receive full details of the post when they become available should e-mail either D.MacKenzie@edinburgh.ac.uk or bundy@edinburgh.ac.uk.