Shaun Nichols

Shaun Nichols is a Professor of Philosophy at Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences. His work bridges philosophy of cognitive science, exploring the psychological underpinnings of philosophical thought. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Psychology from Rutgers University. His research focuses on how people acquire philosophically significant concepts, particularly in morality, using learning theory. Recent studies investigate children’s beliefs about explanations, causal reasoning, and the nature of selfhood.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Philosophy and Psychology, Rutgers University

Research Interests: Nichols examines moral psychology, the role of learning in conceptual development, and the metaphysics of the self. He investigates how cultural and cognitive factors shape moral norms, religious beliefs, and intuitive philosophical commitments. His work often employs empirical methods to challenge traditional philosophical assumptions.

Key Themes in Recent Articles: His 2023–2025 publications address children’s reasoning about explanations, the role of praise in moral judgment, and the implications of rejecting a unified self for ethics. He explores teleological essentialism, cultural relativism, and the cognitive basis of religious beliefs. Collaborations with psychologists and cognitive scientists highlight interdisciplinary approaches to philosophical questions.

Grants & Advising: While specific grants are not detailed, Nichols has been involved in initiatives like the Moral Psychology Summer Institute at Cornell. He teaches courses such as Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 1100) and advanced topics in philosophy of mind. His mentorship extends to graduate students in experimental philosophy and moral psychology.

Labs & Teams: Affiliated with Cornell’s Ethics & Public Life program, he contributes to projects on free speech, AI ethics, and community-engaged learning. His work aligns with the Sage School’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research in philosophy and cognitive science.