Duke University · on Coursera

Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments

4.7(10,000) on Coursera·280K enrolled
Beginner 12 hours English University Certificate
Our recommendation
Duke University's popular course on understanding arguments — how to identify, analyse and evaluate reasoning. It is a genuinely useful grounding in critical thinking and logic that applies to work, study and everyday decisions. Clear and accessible rather than dry.

Good for: Anyone who wants to think more clearly and evaluate arguments better.

Less suitable if: You want a specific technical or professional skill, or you already study logic.

Skills you'll gain

Critical thinkingLogicArgumentationReasoningAnalysisDecision-making

Is this course right for you?

A good fit if you…

You want to reason and argue better
You enjoy thinking about thinking
You are studying or debating

Consider something else if you…

You want a specific technical skill
You already study formal logic
You want a quick summary

Requirements: None.

Realistic time: About 12 hours; two to three weeks part-time.

About this course

This Duke University course teaches the fundamentals of logical reasoning and argumentation: recognizing valid and invalid arguments, identifying common logical fallacies, evaluating evidence and inferences, and constructing well-reasoned arguments.

What you'll learn

Identify the structure of arguments including premises and conclusions
Evaluate deductive validity and inductive strength of arguments
Recognize common logical fallacies in real-world reasoning
Construct well-reasoned arguments supported by appropriate evidence
Apply critical thinking to evaluate claims in professional and civic contexts

This course includes

12h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language

What it costs

Free to audit on Coursera; the certificate needs a subscription (about $49 a month), with financial aid available.

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Is the certificate recognised?

Issued through Coursera with Duke University. The thinking skill is the value.

Instructor

WS
Walter Sinnott-Armstrong / Ram Neta
Coursera instructor
280K+ learners6 courses4.7 instructor rating

Taught by Walter Sinnott-Armstrong (Duke philosophy professor) and Ram Neta (UNC Chapel Hill), both leading philosophers who specialize in reasoning and argumentation.

About this provider

CO
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Frequently asked questions

Yes for a clear, useful grounding in critical thinking and understanding arguments — skills that apply to almost anything.
You can audit it free on Coursera; the certificate needs a subscription, with financial aid available.
Yes. It teaches you to identify, analyse and evaluate arguments you meet at work, in study and in daily life.
Anyone who wants to reason more clearly — students, professionals, or people who simply enjoy thinking well.
About 12 hours over two to three weeks.
Paid
Free to audit, paid certificate
Enroll now