Workshop: Thermodynamics as a Resource Theory (Western Ontario, June 20-22)

Thermodynamics as a Resource Theory:
Foundational and Philosophical Implications
Interdisciplinary workshop of the resource-theoretic revolution in thermodynamics

June 20-22, 2018, The University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario).

Recently, there has been a shift in the way that many physicists are approaching the science of thermodynamics. Instead of regarding its laws as purely physical laws, researchers are increasingly treating the theory as a theory about how agents, such as ourselves, can use information about a physical system as a resource for extracting useful work from the system. Seen this way, investigations into the thermodynamics of quantum systems have a deep connection with work in Quantum Information Theory.

This interdisciplinary workshop brings together philosophers and physicists to explore the philosophical and foundational implications of the resource-theoretic turn in thermodynamics.

Canada Research Chair in Foundations of Physics

Western University (aka University of Western Ontario) has just started a search for a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Foundations of Physics.  The full text of the job ad is below the fold.  The short version:  (1) “Tier II” CRC’s are for more junior scholars, at the level of assistant professor or recently tenured associate; (2) the position is a joint appointment between the Departments of Philosophy and Applied Mathematics; (3) review of applications will begin soon — Sept. 15, 2012.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Canadian government recently announced the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship program, which will award 70  two-year postdocs for Canadian scholars studying abroad or scholars (of any nationality) visiting Canadian universities. The fellowships are very well-paid, with a stipend of $70,000 (Canadian) per year. The fellowships are open to those who have completed their dissertation between the dates of November 3rd, 2007 and December 31, 2010. Applications are due on Nov. 3, 2010, and the program places an emphasis on “synergy” between the applicant and the host institution, so the application must be completed in collaboration with the host institution.  (Follow the link for the full details of the program.)

Conceptions of Empirical Success (aka Harperfest) at UWO

Next week UWO’s philosophy department will host a conference in honor of Bill Harper.  The conference is organized by Wayne Myrvold and features a terrific lineup of speakers, on topics to which Harper has made important contributions — in particular, historical approaches to questions of empirical success and decision theory. The conference is followed by the annual Logic, Mathematics, and Physics Graduate Philosophy conference, featuring Kevin Kelly (CMU) as the keynote speaker. The conferences are open to everyone, but please contact Wayne Myrvold if you plan to attend.