Philosophy
At the time of Plato Western philosophy was taught through dialogue. You will join that tradition, learning in small classes taught by active scholars who emphasize writing and speaking skills. You will also attend regular discussion groups, which meet at faculty members' homes, to take philosophy out of the classroom and into your life.

Religion
Ursinus is open to students of all faiths and to those who practice no religion. You will examine the foundations of religion, including Christianity, Judaism and Asian religions. You will also explore the philosophy of religion, religion in American culture and the relationship between religion and science.

About Philosophy and Religion
What kind of human being do you want to be? We help you gain the logical skills to think clearly and the moral reasoning ability to make the choices that shape your character.

"I think, therefore I am," said Descartes, but Ursinus has an updated version: I think in order to live. Whether the field is business, law, medicine or the environment, the most important professional questions you will confront are not technical, they are moral and philosophical. For many people, the question of religious belief outweighs all of these. At Ursinus, we have a fine record of training students for graduate school, but our focus is on helping students to address fundamental questions. Students may choose either a religion/philosophy track or a philosophy track. Many combine a philosophy minor with other majors, including sociology, history and English. We want you to take what you learn into the world, and so we offer courses on business ethics, biomedical ethics and politics. Here is how our students gain an education for the mind and spirit:

Discussion-Based Classes
In its beginnings, at the time of Plato, Western philosophy was taught through dialogue. Our students join in that tradition, learning in small classes taught by active scholars. These classes emphasize writing and speaking. We have also established regular discussion groups, which meet at faculty members’ homes, to take philosophy out of the classroom and into students’ lives. Every major completes a capstone project guided by a faculty member.

A Tradition of Religious Inquiry
Ursinus is open to students of all faiths and to those who practice no religion. But we believe college is an ideal place to examine what you believe and why. Our tradition of religious thought goes back to our roots in the German Reformed Church. Today our students examine the foundations of religion, including Christianity and Judaism. Courses also explore Asian religions, the philosophy of religion, religion in American culture and the relationship between science and religion.

Great Thinkers, Great Ideas
Ursinus gets students thinking by introducing them not only to thematic courses based on big ideas (How do we know reality? What is the nature of evil?), but also to the best philosophical thinkers, from ancient to modern times. We also take you beyond Western perspectives through courses in Chinese philosophy and world religions.

An Art of Living
Say the word philosopher and most people think of someone whose head is in the clouds, but many of the great thinkers, from Confucius and Socrates to Sartre, have had a profound impact on the life of their times. Our time cries out for individuals who can help society think and speak clearly about what matters most. Take one example: medical schools are increasingly looking for people who are strong not just in science but in ethical reasoning. That skill is also important to law and business schools. In fact, technology is forcing policymakers to ask philosophical questions such as What is a person? The quality of their answers can influence all our lives. Plato’s philosopher-king may be a myth, but the world can’t do without the philosopher-citizen and the philosopher-professional.