Philosophy & Religion
Humans have long pondered not only how we came to be but also why we came to be. The earliest Greek philosophers focused their attention upon the origin and nature of the physical world; later philosophers have theorized about the nature of knowledge, truth, good and evil, love, friendship, and much more. Philosophy involves a methodical assessment of any and all aspects of human existence and experience. The realms of philosophy and religion have sometimes intersected in conducting such inquiries as these. As with philosophy, the study of religion underscores how humankind has long speculated about its origins. The possibility of a higher being (or beings) to which livings things owe their existence has long captived human thought. Many religions also offer their own views on the nature of good and evil, and they may prescribe guidelines and judgment on different kinds of human behavior.
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Featured content, February 20, 2025
Who Wrote the King James Bible?
The King James Version is probably the most well-known version of “The Good Book,” but who exactly wrote it?
St. Paul’s Contributions to the New Testament
Which books of the Bible did he write?
Roman Catholic Saints
“All you holy men and women pray for us.”
To All Nations: 8 Fascinating Jesuit Missionaries
They came, they taught, they converted.
philosophy of mind
Philosophy of mind, reflection on the nature of mental phenomena and especially on the relation of the mind to the body and...
epistemology
Epistemology, the philosophical study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge. The term is derived from the...
aesthetics
Aesthetics, the philosophical study of beauty and taste. It is closely related to the philosophy of art, which is concerned...
humanism
Humanism, system of education and mode of inquiry that originated in northern Italy during the 13th and 14th centuries and...
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Philosophy & Religion Subcategories
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What did our ancestors believe in? What myths and stories did they use to explain the world around them and find meaning in it? How have their beliefs influenced modern religion and spirituality? Explore these questions and more while discovering notable traditions, figures, and legends that figured prominently in ancient religion and mythology.
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Zoroastrianism
religion
- creation myth
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Syrian and Palestinian religion
ancient religion
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What moral precepts guide us through tricky situations that may arise in relation to friendships, family, communities, and the work environment? Right and wrong are not always defined in the same way across different cultures.
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normative ethics
philosophy
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ethics
philosophy
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ethical relativism
philosophy
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The humanities are those branches of knowledge that concern themselves with human beings and their culture. The humanities include the study of all languages and literatures, the arts, history, and philosophy.
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- social science
- historiography
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epigraphy
historiography
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Here you'll find the thinkers and theorists who have expressed their own ideas about such topics as the nature of humankind's relationship with the metaphysical world, the definitions of truth and knowledge, and the conditions of existence. From ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle to later notable philosophers such as René Descartes and Immanuel Kant, philosophy's great thinkers have approached sensitive ethical and existential issues from a variety of different angles. Their ideas have influenced the way we look at our world and the way we relate to one another as human beings.
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Adam Smith
Scottish philosopher
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John Locke
English philosopher
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Noam Chomsky
American linguist
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Do you embrace weighty topics such as the relative merits of empiricism and rationalism? An inquisitive spirit is all but a prerequisite for many of the topics listed here, which deal with the different approaches to and ideas about the big questions of life.
Articles
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Our religious beliefs can affect our lifestyle, our perceptions, and our way of relating to fellow human beings. Is there a higher power (or powers) that governs the universe and judges all of us? Does committing a mortal sin mean the death of a soul, or is there a chance for forgiveness? The answers to such questions differ widely across different religions.
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This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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St. John Paul II
pope
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Muhammad
prophet of Islam
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John Calvin
French theologian
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Human beings tend to relate to their religious beliefs through symbolism. Religious and sacred places—common destinations for pilgrims—represent a physical connection that helps believers express their devotion.
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Jerusalem
Middle East
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Lotus Temple
temple, New Delhi, India
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Lumbini
grove, Nepal
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This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Spem in alium nunquam habui
motet by Tallis
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Georg Philipp Telemann
German composer
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Austrian composer
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Sacred scriptures of all religions, viewed as the word of God or inspired by God, have influenced the moral and ethical standards of countries, peoples, and religious groups. Their interpretation has long been a subject of discussion and, at times, controversy.
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Shruti
Hindu sacred literature
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Talmud and Midrash
Judaism
- biblical literature
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This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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- rite of passage
- religious experience
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sacrifice
religion
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This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Franciscan
religious order
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Society of Friends
religion
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Pashupata
Hindu sect