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
Faculty Office Hours Fall 2024
BackArticles/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
Recent Happenings For GVSU Philosophy
GVSU philosophers in the world: Professors. Wenhui Xie and Andrew Spear at the world Congress of philosophy in Rome, August 2024. Professors Xie and Spear both presented their research, attended other sessions at the conference, and spent some time one evening checking out the architecture of Rome.
Upcoming Events
As a humanities student, have you ever been asked, "what are you even going to do with that major?" Come find out what these former Classics, History, Modern Languages and Literatures, and Philosophy GV majors did with their degrees! Join us for an informal discussion with free snacks on Thursday, October 31, from 3:00 PM-4:45 PM in the Holton-Hooker Multipurpose Room.
All majors are welcome!
Distinguished Alumni:
Lydia Murphy ('12)-Philosophy degree, now Assistant Chief Counsel for The Department of Homeland Security
Alice Kalinowski ('15)-History degree, now a Public Services Manager at the Stanford Graduate School of Business Library
Jaclyn Panter ('08)-Classics degree, now a manager at Campbell's Snacks & a contractor for a Historic Preservation firm
Stephanie Nauta-Degrees in Spanish (& Latin American Studies) and Social Work, has worked as immigration legal assistant and is currently in law school
Past Events
Majors Fair
BMS and Philosophy Major Jonathan McCabe and Prof. of Philosophy Andrew Spear want YOU to major in Philosophy!