Dr. Walter Sinnott-Armstrong

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.