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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Confucius
Confucius, China’s most famous teacher, philosopher, and political theorist, whose ideas have profoundly influenced the civilizations...
Judaism
Judaism, monotheistic religion developed among the ancient Hebrews. Judaism is characterized by a belief in one transcendent...
ethics
Ethics, the discipline concerned with what is morally good and bad and morally right and wrong. The term is also applied...
Christianity
Christianity, major religion stemming from the life, teachings, and death of Jesus of Nazareth (the Christ, or the Anointed...
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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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- Germanic religion and mythology
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Arabian religion
ancient religion
- Mesopotamian religion
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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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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museum
cultural institution
- humanism
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linguistics
science
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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John Locke
English philosopher
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Noam Chomsky
American linguist
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Immanuel Kant
German philosopher
Philosophical Issues
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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- political philosophy
- Confucianism
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Buddhism
religion
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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eschatology
religion
- religious symbolism and iconography
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Sikhism
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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St. John Paul II
pope
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Muhammad
prophet of Islam
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John Calvin
French theologian
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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Varanasi
India
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Jerusalem
Middle East
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Lotus Temple
temple, New Delhi, India
Sacred Art & Music
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Anton Bruckner
Austrian composer
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Luigi Boccherini
Italian composer
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Franz Liszt
Hungarian 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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Shruti
Hindu sacred literature
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Talmud and Midrash
Judaism
- biblical literature