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. Thus, 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 inquiries such 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 25, 2021
What’s the Difference Between Morality and Ethics?
Ethics and morality are often used to mean the same thing. Should they be?
Demystified / Philosophy & Religion

How Have Zoroastrians Been Treated in Muslim Iran?
Read about the treatment of Zoroastrians in Muslim Iran, formerly known as Persia.
Companion / Philosophy & Religion

The Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic church
Learn more about the Catholic faith.
List / Philosophy & Religion

Aristotle
Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, one of the greatest intellectual figures of Western history. He was the...
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Philosophy & Religion Subcategories

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.
Articles

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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- Animal rights
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Hedonism
philosophy
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Primitivism
philosophy

The study of humankind with an appreciation of human values and the unique ability of the human spirit to express itself.
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- Social science
- Historiography
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Epigraphy
historiography

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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John Stuart Mill
British philosopher and economist
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Thomas Hobbes
English philosopher
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Karl Marx
German philosopher

Are you ready to delve into the myriad possible answers to such complex questions as "What makes an action virtuous?" or "What is the nature of consciousness?" 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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Ethics
philosophy
- Formal logic
- Applied logic

Our religious beliefs, such as they are, can affect our lifestyle, our perceptions, and the manner in which we relate to fellow human beings. Is there a higher power (or powers) that governs the universe and judges all of us? Can 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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Daoism
Chinese philosophy and religion
- Christianity
- Islamic world

This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Moses
Hebrew prophet
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St. Paul the Apostle
Christian Apostle
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St. Gregory VII
pope

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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Bethlehem
town, West Bank
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Church of the Holy Sepulchre
church, Jerusalem
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St. Peter's Basilica
church, Vatican City

This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Ludwig van Beethoven
German composer
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Igor Stravinsky
Russian composer
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Spem in alium nunquam habui
motet by Tallis

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 always been a subject of discussion and, at times, controversy.
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Bible
sacred text
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Qur?ān
sacred text
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Bhagavadgita
Hindu scripture