David Godden

David Godden is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Michigan State University, specializing in argumentation theory, epistemology, and informal logic. His research focuses on the normative dimensions of argumentation practices, emphasizing dialectical reasoning and epistemic justification. He actively engages with topics such as deep disagreements, presumption dynamics, adversarial listening, and the ethical dimensions of public discourse.

Teaching includes courses like Epistemology (PHL460), Capstone Seminar (PHL492), and Logic & Reasoning (PHL130). His interdisciplinary approach is evident in collaborations with the Center for Interdisciplinarity and co-taught courses with colleagues like Prof. Jamie Nelson.

Research interests span adversariality in discourse, trust in disagreement contexts, and formal models of argumentative dialogue. Recent projects include analyzing burden of proof dynamics and exploring aretaic (virtue-based) approaches to argumentation norms. His work integrates pragmatist influences from Robert Brandom and the Pragma-Dialectical tradition.

Publications include contributions to Argumentation, Topoi, and Synthese, with notable works addressing corroboration theory, probabilistic argument cogency, and meta-argumentation strategies for resolving deep disagreements. Collaborations include co-authoring with graduate students (e.g., Davis & Godden, 2021).

He emphasizes mentorship in epistemologically oriented projects and encourages collaborative student research. His teaching philosophy prioritizes student engagement with foundational texts across 20th-century philosophy and formal logic.