Fictional and Impossible entities, counterpossible reasoning and Thought Experiments. A study of medieval theories of impossibility and their contemporary relevance” (FICTA)

Position: Post-doctoral research contract Institute: Uni. Parma
Posted on: 16/01/2026 Deadline: 09/02/2026

Scientific-Disciplinary Group

11/PHIL-02 - Logic, History And Philosophy Of Science And Technology

Description

FICTA proposes a comparative and interdisciplinary approach to investigate the notion of impossibility and its epistemic value in medieval logic, philosophy and science. The project’s main aim is to systematically assess the various ways in which philosophers and scientists in the medieval and post-medieval period theorized the use of counterpossible reasoning – that is, reasoning involving entities, assumptions or scenarios that are physically, metaphysically, or logically impossible.

Number of positions

1

Funding body

European Research Council Executive Agency – Azione ERC Starting Grant (StG)