Research Fellow on 'Ethics of Doubt' Project

The University of Southampton seeks to appoint a Research Fellow in Philosophy on a two-year fixed-term basis, who will work on Prof. Genia Schönbaumsfeld’s ERC Advanced Grant project, ‘The Ethics of Doubt – Kierkegaard, Scepticism and Conspiracy Theory’.

This exciting, five-year project seeks to explore the hypothesis that scepticism is not just an intellectual problem to be combatted by offering a theory that manages to salvage some knowledge from the clutches of the sceptic, but also an ethical one that engages the whole person of the doubter. The project is centred around the work of Søren Kierkegaard, whose existential approach to scepticism conceives of radical doubt as primarily an ethical problem caused by the presence of various vices, such as a lack of courage and a fear of freedom and responsibility, for example. If Kierkegaard is right, scepticism cannot just be approached in the way contemporary analytic epistemology assumes by either seeking a theoretical response to, or a theoretical accommodation with, radical doubt. Rather, it may require something that analytic accounts tend to leave out altogether: personal transformation and character development. Since scepticism is also at work in wider cultural phenomena such as the flourishing of conspiracy theories and ‘fake news’, Kierkegaard’s conception that knowledge requires courage has great importance and significance beyond academia as well.

The successful candidate will show outstanding potential as a philosopher and have expertise in two or more central areas of the project: the philosophy of conspiracy theory; scepticism; virtue epistemology. Knowledge of Kierkegaard would be an advantage, but is not required. A willingness to engage with and learn more about the areas of the project not in your primary areas of expertise is a requirement. Good administrative and digital skills are essential.

You will be part of the project team led by the PI, working closely with the other project Research Fellows, as well as the project PhD students. You will benefit from regular team meetings with the research group and play an active role in the organization and promotion of project events, such as workshops and conferences. You are expected to contribute to maintaining and developing project educational materials, such as online modules, as well as to public policy-related activities. You may be asked to co-supervise a project PhD student.

You will have a PhD in Philosophy. You are expected to reside in England during the duration of the post.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

The project is hosted by the Philosophy Department at the University of Southampton, which was ranked 6th in REF2021 by overall GPA and 1st equal for impact. Philosophy at Southampton subscribes to the BPA/SWIP Best Practice scheme; and the University of Southampton is proud to have been awarded an institutional Athena Swan Silver Award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award.

You should be able to take up the post by 1st September 2026.

Informal enquiries about the position may be addressed to Prof. Genia Schönbaumsfeld ([email protected]). Also see www.ethicsofdoubt.org