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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eschatology
Eschatology, the doctrine of the last things. It was originally a Western term, referring to Jewish, Christian, and Muslim...
Daoism
Daoism, indigenous religio-philosophical tradition that has shaped Chinese life for more than 2,000 years. In the broadest...
Islam
Islam, major world religion promulgated by the Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the 7th century ce. The Arabic term islām, literally...
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...
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Philosophy & Religion Subcategories
Ancient Religions & Mythology
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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Greek religion
ancient religion
- Middle Eastern religion
- Germanic religion and mythology
Ethical Issues
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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- legal ethics
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biocentrism
ethics
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utilitarianism
philosophy
Humanities
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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- historiography
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epigraphy
historiography
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museum
cultural institution
Philosophers
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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Socrates
Greek philosopher
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John Stuart Mill
British philosopher and economist
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Thomas Hobbes
English philosopher
Philosophical Issues
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.
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- Indian philosophy
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ethics
philosophy
- formal logic
Religious Beliefs
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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Islam
religion
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Eastern Orthodoxy
Christianity
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Judaism
religion
Religious Movements & Organizations
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Yazīdī
religious sect
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Franciscan
religious order
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Society of Friends
religion
Religious Personages & Scholars
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Muhammad
prophet of Islam
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John Calvin
French theologian
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Absalom
biblical figure
Religious Places
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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Lourdes
France
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Dome of the Rock
shrine, Jerusalem
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Serapeum
ancient temples, Egypt
Sacred Art & Music
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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John Calvin
French theologian
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Joseph Haydn
Austrian composer
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Anton Bruckner
Austrian composer
Scriptures
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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Talmud and Midrash
Judaism
- biblical literature
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patristic literature
Christianity
Spirituality
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Jerusalem
Middle East
- rite of passage
- religious experience