Department of Mathematics and Philosophy

Gordon Pettit

Gordon Pettit, Professor of Philosophy

Education

Ph.D., University of Notre Dame
M.A., Texas A & M University
M.Div., Southwestern Theological Seminary
B.S.N., University of Iowa

Contact Information

Office: Morgan Hall 446
Phone: (309) 298-2326
Email: G-Pettit@wiu.edu
Personal Web Page: https://www.gordonpettit.org/

Courses Taught

  • Phil 100: Introduction to Philosophy
  • Phil 120: Contemporary Moral Problems
  • Phil 140: Logic and Reasoning
  • Phil 300: Ancient Philosophy
  • Phil 312: Philosophical Writing
  • Phil 330: Moral Philosophy
  • Phil 345: Metaphysics
  • Phil 405: Philosophy of Religion

Research Interests

Research: My primary area of interest is in philosophy of religion, including philosophical theology and the problem of evil.  I also have interests in metaphysics broadly conceived and in particular, the topic of free will and moral responsibility.

Research with undergraduate students: Through our Phil 499 and Phil 312 courses, I am glad to work with students on any topic in philosophy of religion, metaphysics, or ancient philosophy. I am also interested in moral philosophy and applied ethics and would be happy to assist students in those areas as well.

Selected Publications

  • Pettit, G. (2009). Moral objectivity, simplicity and the identity view of God. Philosophia Christi, Vol. 11, No.1, pp. 126-144.
  • Pettit, G. (2008). Mundane or incredible!? Identifying when an explanation is required. American Philosophical Quarterly, Vol. 45, No. 2, pp. 199-204.
  • Pettit, G. (2005). Moral responsibility and the ability to do otherwise. Journal of Philosophical Research, Vol. 30, pp. 303-319.
  • Pettit, G. (2002). Are we rarely free?  A response to restrictivism. Philosophical Studies, Vol. 107, No. 3, pp. 219-237.