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 Winter 2025

Last Name
Pestana

First Name
Mark

Office Hours
Tues./Thurs. 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Office
B3 202 MAK

Email
pestanam@gvsu.edu

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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

Professor Judy Whipps


Recent Happenings For GVSU Philosophy

Professors Wenhui Xie and Andrew Spear in front of Pantheon in Rome, Italy at night.

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

Celebrating The Examined Life End of Year Philosophy Gathering for All Students of Philosophy & Recognition Symposium for Graduating Philosophy Majors Friday, April 18 at 3:00 PM in MAK-BLL-110

Celebrating the Examined Life

End of Year Philosophy Gathering for All Students of Philosophy & Recognition Symposium for Graduating Philosophy Majors

Friday, April 18 at 3:00 PM in Mackinac Hall BLL-110

Join your Philosophy Professors and fellow Students of Philosophy for a gathering to celebrate the study of philosophy and the life of the mind, and to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of students completing their university studies in philosophy this year at GVSU. All students of philosophy, as well as faculty and alumni are welcome and encouraged to attend!

The winner of this year's Dewey J. Hoitenga Essay Prize Contest will also be announced. 

Contact Professor Andrew Spear (speara@gvsu.edu) with any questions. 

Also, if you are a *graduating senior* with a philosophy major and have not been contacted by Professor Spear, please get in touch with him about whether or not you will be at the event. 


Past Events

CLAS presents...What They Did With That Distinguished Humanities Alumni Discuss Their Studies, Their, Stories, And Their Accomplishments
GVSU Philosophy at Major Fair

Majors Fair

BMS and Philosophy Major Jonathan McCabe and Prof. of Philosophy Andrew Spear want YOU to major in Philosophy!

What Are You Going To Do With That? Career-Pathways and Possibilities Student Event Hosted on March 14 from 6-7:30 PM in the Alumni House



Page last modified March 31, 2025