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Modelling Consciousness Workshop 2022

July 31 – August 6, 2022

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Location of the 2022 workshop.

We are happy to announce the 2022 edition of the Modelling Consciousness Workshop!

Following the workshops in 2019 and 2020, this workshop aims to bring together researchers who have a deep interest in questions related to consciousness as well as a background in formal research topics.

In contrast to typical conferences, the workshop centers on discussions in small groups which aim to bridge the gap between critical thinking and creative brainstorming. Each discussion session is dedicated to a specific open question in the scientific study of consciousness or philosophy of mind.

Where and when?

Date: Sunday, July 31 - Saturday, August 6, 2022

Place: Mountain Cabin, Dorfgastein, Austria

Participants: 10

Workshop Fee: 210 Euros (includes accommodation, shuttle to the cabin, all meals, and nonalcoholic beverages)

Arrival can be as early as Saturday, July 30, 6 pm. Departure is on Saturday, August 6, at 11 am.

Organizing and Supporting Institutions

We gratefully acknowledge the support of our organizing and supporting institutions:

FQXI logo

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Workshop Details

Location

The workshop will take place in a beautiful, cosy mountain cabin which offers all necessary luxuries (a bath, showers, a sauna – and even a toilet). However, we want to point out that a mountain cabin is not a hotel: Accommodation will be in dorms with bunk and double beds, there are no single rooms and bathrooms have to be shared. Also, internet may not be available and possibilities for privacy are very limited. No catering is provided – all participants will be involved in preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as in keeping the cabin clean. Rooms separated by gender can of course be made available. Please consider these pictures of a similar location to make sure you are comfortable with the sleeping arrangements. A shuttle will be provided to Dorfgastein train station (Austria) on the first and last day of the workshop.

Goal & Progamme

In contrast to usual conferences and workshops, this workshop focuses on discussion sessions in small groups. These sessions are dedicated to specific topics or questions which generally belong to the guiding questions of Mathematical Consciousness Science. To lay the ground for these sessions, there will be kick-off talks given by the participants (45 minutes). Their goal is twofold: First, they should serve as introductions, drawing out the question or topic and clarifying any necessary background knowledge; second, they should present one existing approach or the speaker’s own thoughts on the topic.

Discussion sessions will be held in parallel. During the five full days of the workshop, 20-25 discussion sessions will be held. These topics will be fixed as the workshop proceeds based on the applications and on questions or ideas that emerge during the workshop. They resemble those aspects of consciousness which the participants hold to be most important to discuss.

The workshop is aimed at researchers of any age who are interested in the problems discussed in contemporary consciousness studies. We look forward to applications from people who are passionate about consciousness, who appreciate formal approaches to the mind-matter relation, who are open to new ideas and, most importantly, eager to engage in deep discussions. This workshop is designed to offer an open-minded, non-dogmatic and respectful atmosphere.

Application

Please apply via email to workshop2022@modelling-consciousness.org.

Application will be assessed on a rolling basis. In case of interest, please be sure to apply early (now! 😉 ).

Your application should contain the following:

  1. A short list of topics or questions you find interesting or would like to discuss (bullet points, you’re invited to keep it short).
  2. In case you would like to give a talk (not mandatory), a preliminary title.
  3. The following personal information: (a) Your current occupation and institution; (b) your main area of work and further areas of interest; (c) information about dietary requirements, allergies, etc.
  4. Please confirm that you are okay with the sleeping conditions on a mountain cabin as described in the location section above (bunk or double beds, no personal rooms).

Please note that due to the short time-frame and the small fee, we cannot at present offer a refund policy for the fee.

Covid Policy

In order to ensure safe participation, all participants will be asked to test for Covid-19 on the day before their departure to the workshop and wear face-masks during their journey to the workshop. Furthermore, self-testing units will be made available to the participants upon arrival.

Organizers

Johannes Kleiner (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich)
Tim Ludwig (Utrecht University)

In case of questions, do not hesitate to shoot us an email to workshop2022@modelling-consciousness.org.