University of Aberdeen 2022 PhD Philosophy Scholarship: Digital Knowledge-A New Framework for Digital Epistemic Virtues

We are increasingly in the grip of an information epidemic, which the spread of health misinformation online along with rising distrust of experts has only served to highlight with tragic emphasis. This project takes as a starting point that addressing the infodemic requires serious engagement not only with its symptoms but also with its fundamental causes - which fall within the remit of social epistemology, which studies how knowledge is shared, and how individuals can become more responsible consumers of information. Those who share fake news online often present themselves as trustworthy and well-informed, in a way that might easily deceive not only dedicated conspiracy theorists, but also those unskilled at distinguishing reliable from unreliable sources. The problem is amplified even further by what science has shown about the spread rate of online misinformation. Most academic research and policy initiatives have focused on treating symptoms of this infodemic rather than the causes. One prominent political strategy aimed at combatting the spread of disinformation has taken the form of deleting content (Facebook) and censoring posters who violate social media terms of policy (Twitter). Such strategies have important shortcomings, as there is evidence that simply hiding content or banning users in cases where the media consumer is not privileged to the rationale for doing so can itself exacerbate conspiratorial thinking patterns, thus, furthering the problem. Even more, content removal policies effectively only sanction violations of existing norms online; such policies neither identify the source of the problem, nor clearly outline positive norms.

• Table of Content
• About University of Aberdeen
• PhD Philosophy Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of PhD Philosophy Scholarship
• Requirements for PhD Philosophy Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

PhD Philosophy Scholarship

Application Deadline	30 Jun 2022
Type	PhD
Sponsor	University of Aberdeen
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of PhD Philosophy Scholarship

Providing a full tuition fee waiver and a maintenance stipend of £6,000 per year. Subject to satisfacotry progress this scholarship will be awarded for 3 years

Requirements for PhD Philosophy Scholarship Qualification

This competitive scholarship is open to applicants from around the globe.

Applicants must be of outstanding academic merit and potential for independent research, as evidenced by the candidate’s academic record, prior qualifications, proposal and references. Selection will be based on this evidence and upon the strength of the proposed engagement with the advertised research project.

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold prior to commencement of studies, an undergraduate degree at UK first class or 2:1 honours level, or the international equivalent, in philosophy, which includes courses in epistemology. 

Application Deadline

June 30, 2022

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to University of Aberdeen on www.abdn.ac.uk to apply

Before you apply, please contact the supervisor by email to discuss your potential fit with the project, how your own research interests will benefit the project, and how you intend to frame your research proposal.

You must include a detailed research proposal (1000-1500 words) which sets out how you will engage with the advertised PhD project, degree transcripts and certificates, and be supported by two academic references.

For more details, visit University of Aberdeen website.