The Vici project 'Cognitive systems in interaction: ?Logical and computational models of higher-order social cognition'

Software agents are capable of recursion in their social reasoning: A thinks about what B knows that A knows, and so on. However, humans lose track of such reasoning after only two or three levels. If software agents work together with human team-mates, they need to take into account the limits of their social cognition.

In the Vici project, we investigate children's development and adults' limitations in applying higher-order reasoning, using a close-knit combination of empirical research and formal modelling. Whereas first-order social cognition has been intensely investigated, higher-order social cognition is far less well-understood. This Vici project aims to apply improved understanding of higher-order social reasoning to design realistic logics, ready for implementation in systems supporting mixed human-computer teams.?

There are three open positions, all with starting date Autumn 2010. ?Deadline for applications: September 1, 2010

1) Ph.D. position: Modeling the evolution of theory of mind

Vacancy number 210247. More information at:

http://www.academictransfer.com/employer/RUG/vacancy/5427/lang/en/

2) Ph.D. position: A cognitive system supporting intelligent interaction

Vacancy number 210248. More information at:

http://www.academictransfer.com/employer/RUG/vacancy/5428/lang/en/

3) Post-doc position: Logics for higher-order social cognition

Vacancy number 210249. More information at:

http://www.academictransfer.com/employer/RUG/vacancy/5429/lang/en/



Deadline for applications: September 1, 2010.



                          Additional information

For more information you may contact Prof. dr. Rineke
Verbrugge, L.C.Verbrugge@rug.nl



                               Application

Letters in English language, including a personal motivation, a curriculum
vitae, and the names and addresses of three referees (including telephone
number and email address), must be sent before September 1, 2010
to: vmp@rug.nl . Please, also send an electronic copy of your application
to: L.C.Verbrugge@rug.nl and refer to the vacancy number of the position you
are applying for.