Department of Philosophy
The Department of Philosophy is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and offers both a Major and a Minor in Philosophy.
The Department counts 21 full-time faculty members working in a variety of specialties, who are active scholars committed to undergraduate education. They share their expertise in a wide variety of philosophical schools, national traditions, historical periods, and specialized areas of philosophical work.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundation in the history of philosophy and also to encourage students to pursue work in their own areas of interest. Formal coursework is only one part of the Philosophy student's education. Since inquiry and study are most fruitful when conducted in a vital community of fellow scholars, the Department is committed to offering a number of excellent learning opportunities that go beyond traditional classroom structures.
Office Hours
Winter 2026 Exam Week Office Hours
Office Hours Winter 2026 Exam Week (April 27-May 1)
Last Name
Spear
First Name
Andrew
Email
speara@gvsu.edu
Location and Hours
MAK-B-3-213: Tues.: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM & Wed.: 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
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Congratulations Are In Order
Professor Teresa Castelao-Lawless (left), Professor Alycia LaGuardia-LoBianco (center), and Professor Andrew Spear (right) at the Tenure and Promotion Reception on September 11, 2025 in the GVSU Alumni House.
Congratulations to Professor Alycia LaGuardia-Lobianco on the promotion to Associate Professor and Tenure, and also to Professor Ronald Loeffler on the promotion to Full Professor!
Course Advertisement
PHI 102: Ethics
PHI 102-01
May 11, 2026-June 24, 2026
Fulfills Foundations-Philosophy and Literature
Course Description: What is good? What is evil? Are there objective standards for right and wrong? What ae these objective standards? How can they be applied to important contemporary moral problems? This course considers the answers philosophers give to these and related questions.
Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Times: 12:00 PM to 3:20 PM
Location: Mackinac Hall A1151
Professor: Professor John August
Email Professor John August (Leads to email pop-up)
Articles/Interviews
Professor Judy Whipps is featured on the Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy’s homepage in their “I am an American philosopher” interview series. Read the whole interview here (https://american-philosophy.org/i-am-an-american-philosopher-interview-series/i-am-an-american-philosopher-judy-whipps/)
Professor Judy Whipps
Past Events
Majors Fair
BMS and Philosophy Major Jonathan McCabe and Prof. of Philosophy Andrew Spear want YOU to major in Philosophy!
