ICFO

New Publication by Antonio Vassallo in Synthese

  • Posted on 22 May 2025
  • /Under ICFO
We are pleased to announce that the paper “Shape Space as a Conceptual Space” by Antonio Vassallo has been published open access in Synthese. You can read the full article here. This paper argues that the configuration space central to pure shape dynamics—shape space—should be understood not as a physical arena but as a conceptual space. Drawing on insights from the philosophy of cognitive science, the article examines how this reinterpretation addresses longstanding objections to relationalism and provides a fresh epistemic framework for understanding timeless, background-independent physics. Special attention is given to how…continue reading →

New book chapter by A. Vassallo and P. Naranjo for OUP

  • Posted on 30 April 2025
  • /Under ICFO
We are happy to share that the chapter “On the Prospects of a de Broglie–Bohm–Barbour–Bertotti Theory” by Antonio Vassallo and Pedro Naranjo has just been published in the volume Guiding Waves in Quantum Mechanics: One Hundred Years of de Broglie–Bohm Pilot-Wave Theory (Oxford University Press, 2025), edited by A. Oldofredi. This chapter investigates whether a de Broglie–Bohm-type quantum theory can be made genuinely background-independent by adapting the relational framework originally developed by Barbour and Bertotti. The authors examine the conceptual and technical challenges involved in formulating a Bohmian dynamics compatible with relational principles…continue reading →

Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Researcher in Philosophy of Physics

  • Posted on 18 April 2025
  • /Under Grant
The Department of Philosophy and Ethics in Administration at Warsaw University of Technology invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher (assistant professor) position within the research project "A Machian Framework for Quantum Physics," led by Dr. hab. Antonio Vassallo and funded by the National Science Center (OPUS-25 grant). Position Details: Duration: 30 months, full-time (40 hours/week) Location: Warsaw, Poland About the Project: The project applies the theoretical framework of Pure Shape Dynamics and a metaphysics of self-subsisting structures to develop a new approach to understanding quantum physics. The goal is to investigate how quantum…continue reading →

Antonio Vassallo awarded NCN OPUS grant for research on the foundations of quantum physics

We are pleased to announce that Dr. hab. Antonio Vassallo has been awarded a prestigious OPUS grant from the National Science Centre (NCN) for his research project "A Machian Framework for Quantum Physics" (grant no. 2023/49/B/HS1/01091). The project, funded with 1,237,080 PLN, will run for three years and aims to explore how quantum phenomena and spacetime might emerge from deeper, relational structures, using tools from physics and metaphysics.continue reading →

New Publication in Synthese: Does General Relativity Highlight Necessary Connections in Nature?

  • Posted on 19 January 2021
  • /Under ICFO
The paper entitled “Does General Relativity Highlight Necessary Connections in Nature?“, written by Antonio Vassallo, has been published in Synthese (open access). The paper discusses the physical role that the Bianchi identities play in general relativity, and investigates whether these identities—qua part of a physical law—highlight some kind of a posteriori necessity in a Kripkean sense.continue reading →
The book on Category Theory in Physics, Mathematics, and Philosophy has been published

The book on Category Theory in Physics, Mathematics, and Philosophy has been published

  • Posted on 18 November 2019
  • /Under ICFO
This book shows that the categorical ontology could serve as a basis for bonding mathematics, physics, and philosophy Category theory is a new formal ontology that shifts the main focus from objects to processes. The book approaches formal ontology in the original sense put forward by the philosopher Edmund Husserl, namely as a science that deals with entities that can be exemplified in all spheres and domains of reality. It is a dynamic, processual, and non-substantial ontology in which all entities can be treated as transformations, and in which objects are merely the sources and aims of these transformations. (more…)
Workshop on Topological Ontology

Workshop on Topological Ontology

International Workshop on Topological Ontology to be held on February 11-12, 2020, at the University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain. Geometry has played an important role in philosophy ever since the time of Plato. (more…)
International Workshop on Computational Modelling

International Workshop on Computational Modelling

  • Posted on 26 April 2019
  • /Under ICFO
On 14 May 2019 the first edition of the workshop “Computational Modelling” will be held at Warsaw University of Technology, organised by the International Center for Formal Ontology (Faculty of Administration and Social Sciences, Warsaw University of Technology). The workshop will comprise six papers, which will be delivered by scholars from various academic centres in Poland and abroad. Topics will include concepts of computation (digital and other) as well as the properties of specific computational models (of human cognitive functions and dysfunctions and of ethical knowledge). Organizers: Paula Quinon (ICFO, WUT) Hajo Greif (ICFO, WUT) Paweł Stacewicz (ICFO, WUT) More…continue reading →

Memorandum of Understanding between ICFO and MCMP

  • Posted on 13 April 2019
  • /Under ICFO
In April 2019, it was signed Memorandum of Understanding between International Center for Formal Ontology (ICFO) and Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP). Based on the mutual wish to establish the fruitful cooperation both Institutions confirmed their wish to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding on education and research collaboration. The Institutions agreed to develop the joint activities to address issues of mutual interest, designed to foster and promote collaboration in the field of education, research and capacity through the following activities: 1. Joint Research collaborations. 2. Exchange of faculty, teachers and academic…continue reading →

In cooperation with the Academia Europaea, the ICFO invites you to an open and interdisciplinary seminar entitled Philosophy and Mathematics. The seminar will take place in Wrocław on October 5, 2018. Participants will reflect on what divides and connects contemporary philosophy and mathematics. On Saturday, October 6th, there will be a panel discussion entitled Mathematics, Philosophy and Mathematical Philosophy. The panel will be attended by conference speakers. (more…)