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 concentration, a Philosophy and Science concentration, an Ethics and Public Policy concentration, and a Philosophy and Law concentration. 

Advising: Professor Donald Smith is the advisor for all philosophy majors. If you have advising questions or would like an advising appointment, contact Professor Smith (dpsmith@vcu.edu).

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 Seminar in Philosophy (PHIL 490) topics:

Spring 2019: Ancient Greek Ethics, taught by Andrew Alwood

For previous seminar topics, click here.

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

Spring 2019 Talks & Workshops 

"How Reason Can Reveal God"
Public Philosophy Lecture
Joshua Rasmussen (Azusa Pacific University)
Thursday, April 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Temple Building 1164

"Why I Am No Longer a Platonist"
Philosophy Department Colloquium
Joshua Rasmussen (Azusa Pacific University)
Friday, April 26, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Location: Starke House 101

 

Fall 2018 Talks & Workshops

"Identity and What Matters"
Read-Ahead Paper Workshop
Trenton Merricks (University of Virginia)
Friday, November 2, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
To participate, email Andrew Moon, amoon@vcu.edu, for a copy of the paper.

 

"Moral Luck"
Public Philosophy Lecture
Philip Swenson (College of William and Mary)
Thursday, November 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
MCALC Academic Learning Commons 2104

 

"Responsibility, Moral Luck, and Making a Difference”
Philip Swenson (College of William and Mary)
Friday, November 30, 3:30-5:30
Location: Starke House 101