Stories From 2016
New York University Professor Gives World Philosophy Day Lecture
NC State’s second World Philosophy Day Lecture was given on November 17, 2016 by Michael Strevens, professor of philosophy at New York University. Professor Strevens spoke on “The Importance of Irrationality in Science.”
Distinguished Philosopher Visits NC State as Phi Beta Kappa Scholar
The John Dewey Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University, Dr. Philip Kitcher, spent two days at NC State in October 2017 as a Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar. Professor Kitcher gave a public lecture on “Progress in the Sciences and in the Arts,” was a guest in two courses, and led a session in the Honors Village’s Research Unplugged series.
Religious Studies Professor Takes Up Prestigious Fellowship
Dr. William Adler, Distinguished University Professor of Religious Studies, is spending the 2016/17 academic year as a Fellow at the prestigious Israel Institute for Advanced Studies in Jerusalem. During his time at the Institute, Professor Adler will be working on two major book projects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.