GENERIC: Generic Reasoning Project

Principal Investigator: Prof. Federico L.G. Faroldi
Host: CERNAI, University of Pavia

Temporary website. Please check generic.unipv.it regularly

GENERIC explores a novel type of reasoning—generic reasoning—that allows general conclusions from single significant instances while tolerating exceptions, relevant for law, science, and mathematics.

See here for a detailed synopsis.

Project Goals

• Develop a formal model of generic reasoning.

• Apply it to normative reasoning, scientific case studies, and mathematical reasoning.

• Contribute to the foundations of hyperintensional logic and reasoning.

Structure and Timeline

• PART A: Foundations (Year 1)
  Study normative reasoning, scientific case studies, and arbitrary reasoning in mathematics as instances of generic reasoning.

• PART B: Formal Model (Years 2-3)
  Develop a hyperintensional semantic and logical model for generics and test it on real cases.

Opportunities for PhD and Postdocs

We will recruit:

• Postdocs in philosophy of language, logic, philosophy of science, AI, and cognitive science.

• PhD students in cognitive science, philosophy, and formal logic.

Selection is based on strong international profiles, publications, and interdisciplinary interest.

International Collaboration

GENERIC is advised by a world-class International Advisory Committee composed of François Claveau (Sherbrooke), Kit Fine (NYU), Bernhard Nickel (Harvard), M.H. Tessler (Google Deepmind), Katrin Schulz (Amsterdam), Robert van Rooij (Amsterdam).

The advisory committee is involved in supporting collaborations, event organization, and visiting opportunities.

Events

• Year 1: Kick-off Conference on Generics, Normative and Scientific Reasoning

• Years 2-3: Workshops on Genericity in Thought and Language

• Year 3: End-of-project Conference on Generic Reasoning

Why Join GENERIC?

• Contribute to the hyperintensionality revolution in logic and philosophy.

• Work in a structured, interactive, internationally connected environment.

• Develop expertise in an emerging research frontier with practical applications in AI, law, and scientific methodology.

For more information or to express interest in upcoming positions, please contact: generic@unipv.it.