CFP: Quantum Epistemology Beyond Quantum Measurement (QEBQM) Early Career Summer Seminar Retreat

Recent work on the interconnections between formal epistemology and foundations of quantum mechanics has prompted exciting developments on important philosophical questions. For example:

• Are there objective probabilities in quantum theories? If so, what grounds them?
• Might all the probabilities in quantum theory be subjective, the partial beliefs of an agent?
• Are there compelling justifications for partial beliefs about quantum systems that do not depend on a particular solution to the measurement problem?
• What implications does quantum theory have for the belief structure of rational agents and vice versa?

This retreat gathers early-career scholars working on these or closely related questions.

The retreat will take place in the University of Washington's Pack Forest conference center, near the base of Mt. Rainier. You will have the opportunity to present your work in a seminar format, getting feedback from peers and senior scholars Dr. Emily Adlam and Prof. Richard Healey, who will also give lectures on their work in this area. There will be lots of time for informal discussion, relaxation, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with hikes and other outdoor activities. The retreat organizers will cover expenses for food, accommodations, and travel within the United States.

This event is funded by the NSF grant of the same name.

Senior Scholars

• Emily Adlam (Western University)
• Richard Healey (University of Arizona)

Retreat Organizers

• Benjamin Feintzeig (University of Washington)
• Samuel C. Fletcher (University of Minnesota)
• Jer Steeger (University of Washington)

How to apply

Please prepare the following:

• A curriculum vitae.
• A personal statement of roughly 250 words describing how the event will contribute to your ongoing research, education, or career development.
• A title and an extended abstract of 500-1000 words describing a research project that fits the retreat’s theme.  

Email your CV, personal statement, and abstract in one PDF to [email protected] with the subject line “QEBQM Summer Application”. Applications are due by April 10. We will respond with decisions as quickly as possible and no later than April 30.

We will expect each retreat participant by July 1 to have developed a complete paper on the topic of their abstract to share with the group. Each participant will also prepare a 10-minute commentary on another participant’s paper. Papers should be no more than 10,000 words, including footnotes (but not including technical appendices, if you have any, or references).

A note on Covid-19 and online options

We strive to have this event in person if circumstances reasonably allow it, following the University of Washington’s Covid-19 procedures. Currently, these require all participants to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and the use of well-fitting masks while indoors. However, if Covid-19 poses ongoing safety and health concerns nearer to the time of the retreat, we will consider online options.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out! Also, please do feel free to circulate this CFA widely with any folks or lists that might be interested.