News

Jun 29, 2016

Philosophy Alum Becomes Investment Expert

“From the time I was a kid,” says Rufus Rankin, “I wanted to pursue philosophy or become a professional investor.” Since graduating from NC State with a B.A. in Philosophy in 1999, he has discovered that he can do both. 

Jun 29, 2016

Two Faculty Win Teaching Awards

In April 2016, John Carroll, Professor of Philosophy, was named as an Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor and Anna Bigelow, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, received an Outstanding Teaching Award and became a member of the NC State Academy of Outstanding Teachers. Eight departmental faculty are now members of this Academy. 

Apr 28, 2016

National Experts Address Impact of Religion

The NC State Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies inaugurated an Impact of Religion series by welcoming two national experts in religion and society. 

Mar 28, 2016

Outstanding Senior Wins Religious Studies Prize

Zane Vermette received the Religious Studies Prize in Honor of Professor W. Curtis Fitzgerald during a March 2, 2016 reception hosted by the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. 

Mar 28, 2016

Future Medical Student Earns Philosophy Prize

Arianna Nasser received the Philosophy Prize in Honor of Professor Robert S. Bryan during a March 2, 2016 reception hosted by the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. 

Mar 28, 2016

Hispanic Linguistics and Cognitive Science: Grad Student Pursues Her Passions

What happens when you cross graduate studies in Hispanic linguistics with a graduate minor in cognitive science? Ask Lindsey Chandler: she’s doing it at NC State. 

Feb 9, 2016

New Book Explores Political Philosopher’s Original Position

What basic rules would you choose to form a society, if you were completely ignorant of your religion, race or socioeconomic status in that society? That question forms the basis of the original position, a thought experiment introduced by one of the most influential political philosophers of the 20th century, John Rawls. In a new book edited by NC State philosophy professor Timothy Hinton, he and a dozen other scholars offer a range of perspectives on Rawls’ influential theory. 

May 6, 2015

Spirits Rejoice! A Musician and Scholar Talks About Jazz, Religion, and American Culture

Jason Bivins’s background makes him particularly well-suited to explore both jazz and religion. Bivins is a professor of religious studies at NC State, specializing in the nexus of religion and U.S. politics. He’s also a jazz musician, recording improvisational albums with bands such as the Unstable Ensemble, the Micro-East Collective and the Impermanence Trio. In his book, Spirits Rejoice! Jazz and American Religion, Bivins explores a variety of issues, from how jazz musicians have drawn on specific religious traditions to inform their music to musicians who view performance as a ritual. 

Dec 16, 2014

Religion and Politics in Japan: A Conversation With Religion Scholar Levi McLaughlin

In the wake of Japan's recent national elections, we talk to scholar Levi McLaughlin about the role of religion in Japanese politics (and why no one talks about it).