College of Humanities & Sciences

The Department of Philosophy offers an undergraduate major in philosophy, as well as minors in philosophy and the philosophy of law. 

The department offers four ways to major in philosophy:
a regular Philosophy concentration
a Philosophy and Science concentration
an Ethics and Public Policy concentration, and
a Philosophy and Law concentration. 

Advising: Donald Smith and Melissa Siebert are the advisors for philosophy majors. If you have questions about course content, philosophy concentrations, or direction post graduation, you can schedule an appointment with Professor Smith via email (dpsmith@vcu.edu). For any other questions or concerns including course scheduling, graduation requirements, or navigating VCU, please schedule an appointment with Melissa Siebert through SSC/Navigate.

Heidi Lockwood and Michael Tooley visited VCU to debate how sexual assault on campus should be addressed. A video of the debate can be found here.

Current and Upcoming Seminar in Philosophy (PHIL 490) topic:

Spring 2020: The Ethics of Belief, taught by James Fritz
Fall 2020: The Things Selves Do, taught by Mikhail Valdman

For previous seminar topics, click here.

Contacts:
Anthony Ellis, Department Chair: aellis@vcu.edu; (804) 827-2183
Department Secretary: (804) 827-2184

Spring 2020 Talks -- To Be Rescheduled

*Postponed*
Philosophy and Public Affairs Lecture
Rebecca Stangl (University of Virginia)
Thursday, April 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m. 
Location TBD

*Postponed*
Philosophy Colloquium Talk
Rebecca Stangl (University of Virginia)
Friday, April 17, 3:30-5:30
Starke House 101

Fall 2019 Talks & Workshops

"Is Identity Necessary for Survival?"
Read-Ahead Paper Workshop
Trenton Merricks (University of Virginia)
Friday, September 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Starke House 101
To participate, email Andrew Moon, amoon@vcu.edu, for a copy of the paper.

"Ethics and Epistemic Hopelessness"
Read-Ahead Paper Workshop
James Fritz (VCU)
Friday, October 4, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Starke House 101
To participate, email Andrew Moon, amoon@vcu.edu, for a copy of the paper.

“Is Time Like a Film or a Sculpture?”
Philosophy and Public Affairs Lecture
Ross Cameron (University of Virginia)
Thursday, November 7, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
MCALC Academic Learning Commons 1107

“Infinite Regress and Metaphysical Explanation”
Philosophy Colloquium Talk
Ross Cameron (University of Virginia)
Friday, November 8, 3:30-5:30
Starke House 101