Gonzaga Philosophy Champions Global Whitehead Scholarship

At Gonzaga University, philosophy isn’t just studied—it’s advanced on a global scale. The Philosophy Department has become a leader in preserving and publishing the works of Alfred North Whitehead, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. Through the Edinburgh Critical Edition of the Complete Works of Alfred North Whitehead, Gonzaga scholars are shaping the future of philosophical research.

Leading this effort are Dr. Brian G. Henning, Founder and General Editor of the project, and Dr. Joe Petek, Executive Editor. Together, they have guided the project to a major milestone: the release of two significant volumes that deepen our understanding of Whitehead’s intellectual journey.

• The Essays and Articles of Alfred North Whitehead, 1886–1916 (October 2025) – Early writings tracing his intellectual evolution.
• The Essays and Articles of Alfred North Whitehead, 1917–1942 (October 2025) – Later essays reflecting his mature philosophy.

These volumes, now available from Edinburgh University Press, represent the third and fourth installments of a projected seventeen-volume series.

Dr. Henning, a professor of philosophy at Gonzaga, has long championed Whitehead’s relevance for contemporary thought. Dr. Petek, based in Wisconsin, works full-time as Executive Editor, ensuring the meticulous accuracy and scholarly rigor that define the Edition. Their collaboration exemplifies Gonzaga’s commitment to global scholarship, interdisciplinary engagement, and intellectual leadership.

As the project enters its second year of a three-year National Endowment of the Humanities (NEH) grant, the work continues with unwavering dedication. Future volumes promise even deeper insights into Whitehead’s legacy, reinforcing Gonzaga’s role as a hub for foundational philosophical research.

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