Think Again IV: How to Avoid Fallacies

Dr. Ram Neta serves as Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he has established himself as a leading expert in epistemology. His research explores fundamental questions about the nature of knowledge, rationality, and evidence, with particular focus on how species-specific properties determine epistemic constraints. He has published extensively in prestigious journals, with dozens of articles examining topics ranging from the nature and extent of knowledge to the rationality of belief formation and the compelling nature of skeptical arguments. His scholarly contributions include editing several influential volumes in epistemology and developing new perspectives on how arguments for skepticism become compelling. Through his popular Coursera series "Think Again," co-taught with Walter Sinnott-Armstrong of Duke University, he has brought philosophical reasoning to hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. His current research investigates how an animal's species membership influences its representational capabilities and epistemic constraints. As Director of Placement in the Philosophy Department, he also plays a crucial role in mentoring the next generation of philosophers while continuing to advance our understanding of knowledge and rational belief.

Dr. Walter Sinnott-Armstrong holds the position of Chauncey Stillman Professor of Practical Ethics in the Philosophy Department and the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University. He is also part of the Core Faculty in the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. Dr. Sinnott-Armstrong has a distinguished academic career, having served as vice-chair of the Board of Officers of the American Philosophical Association and co-director of the MacArthur Project on Law and Neuroscience. His scholarly work encompasses moral theory, philosophy of religion, theory of knowledge, and informal logic.His current research focuses on how psychology and neuroscience can inform our understanding of moral beliefs and moral responsibility. Dr. Sinnott-Armstrong has taught courses on reasoning for over thirty years, offering insights into critical thinking and argumentation. On Coursera, he teaches a series of courses titled "Think Again," which includes modules on understanding arguments, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, and avoiding logical fallacies. Through these courses, he aims to enhance learners' reasoning skills and their ability to engage with complex ethical issues.