Matthew Silverstein

Matthew Silverstein is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Program Head at the Arts and Humanities Division of New York University Abu Dhabi. He holds a BA from Amherst College, a BPhil from the University of Oxford, and a PhD from the University of Michigan. His research focuses on the foundations of ethics, normative ethics, philosophy of action, political philosophy, early modern European philosophy, and history of ethics. He explores how accounts of practical reasoning can ground normative reasons for action, emphasizing a reductive theory of reasons rooted in sound reasoning processes.

Before joining NYUAD, Silverstein was a postdoctoral fellow and visiting professor at Amherst College. He has received a teaching excellence prize and multiple fellowships during his doctoral studies. He also contributed to AskPhilosophers, a public philosophy outreach initiative. His courses include ethics, early modern philosophy, and capstone projects.

His scholarship bridges metaethics and action theory, addressing topics like teleology, agency, and normativity. Recent works critique traditional rationalist frameworks while advancing constructivist approaches to ethical reasoning. His awards reflect both academic rigor and pedagogical excellence.

• Key Research Themes: Normativity, practical reasoning, moral agency, early modern philosophy
• Teaching Contributions: Courses on tolerance, logic, applied ethics, and capstone research
• Professional Service: Panelist for AskPhilosophers, academic fellowships holder