Religion vs. Philosophy

Discuss philosophical questions regarding theism (and atheism), and discuss religion as it relates to philosophy. This includes any philosophical discussions that happen to be about god, gods, or a 'higher power' or the belief of them. This also generally includes philosophical topics about organized or ritualistic mysticism or about organized, common or ritualistic beliefs in the existence of supernatural phenomenon.
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Youngfool
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by Youngfool »

Agreed: And now back to the post "The Philospher's Stone". Perhaps we can continue our conversation there.

-- Updated Fri Sep 02, 2011 11:15 pm to add the following --

Hi again, Pathfinder:

Just to confirm the above: Have you seen the movie or DVD "Religulous" featuring Bill Maher? He develops this idea at some length.
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Pathfinder
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by Pathfinder »

No I have not, and I do not know the extent of his actual professions, but I have heard him on some shows and have often agreed with much of what he says. maybe I will have a look at it. having said that I am not against religion, I am against the corruption of it through extremisms and the misinterpretation of its true origins.
An open mind means a willingness to reject what you previously thought may have been the truth.
Youngfool
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by Youngfool »

Hi Pathfinder;

Or to use it for one's own somewhat unscrupulous ends . . . . and supported by very large groups, by the way. Your point about extremism, etc. is a main theme in Maher's production. Of course it does not change anything: Maher is simply pointing out in no uncertain terms, the hypocrisy of fundamental, orthodox religion and how it has indeed become seriously corrupted; as you say.
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Pathfinder
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by Pathfinder »

yes brian, it is amazing how radical ideology tends to ruin and destroy the very heart of the original intention. When we wander too far to either extreme it will always result in this adversity.
An open mind means a willingness to reject what you previously thought may have been the truth.
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Gareth
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by Gareth »

I can see why some may believe that there is a bluring of Religion and Philosophy.

Both seem to tackle questions to which there is no quick and simple answer, both concern themselves in part to how should a person behave and both claim to be in pursuit of some 'greater truth'

However the differences soon bubble to the surface when we examine the methods employed by each. Religion is by and large authoritarian. Its main tenents tend to be based upon the word of some God or his/her emissary. Do this because this is what god wants, thou shalt not... because it is an abomination in the eyes of (insert your prefered deity)

Philosophy, whilst it still has its authorities does not base its conclusions soley or even mainly upon the thoughts of those but rather on logic and rational argument.

Whilst few christians for example would argue that Jesus got it wrong Philosophers take delight in pulling the ideas and theories of its heroes, Socrates for example, to bits.

Philosophy is a critical endeavour religion is not.
The difference between Truth and Falsity is not a question of volume.
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by Belinda »

Whilst I completely agree with Gareth I think that there are greyish areas where religion and philosophy are more similar.

1.Reason sometimes has been elevated to godlike status by would-be philosophers.

2. Philosophy and religion can neither of them be without basic human attempts to learn better ways of life. Medieval philosophy was God based. After the 18th century Enlightenment, or at least beginning with the religious Reformation, reason became dominant but Christianity became more reasoning and reasonable in line with the democratic tenndency of the printed language, the Reformation and the increase in literacy that was consonant with the industrial revolution.
However, Gareth's point about how religion is based upon authority and philosophy upon reason remains the case until this day.
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by nameless »

Philosophy = 'critical thoughts'
Religion = 'belief thoughts'.

Both are valid ways of knowing, they simply cannot play well together in the sandbox in that they are diametrical opposites! The more of one, the less of the other! And vice versa!
Youngfool
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by Youngfool »

Hello all;

I would suggest that "religion" is based on faith, superstition, ignorance and lack of acceptance of personal responsibility for thinking for oneself and one's subsequent life experience; and that philosophy is based more on reasonable, rational, intelligent questioning and subsequent acceptance of personal responsibility for one's life experience.

If that makes one "God" like, then so be it.
rainchild
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by rainchild »

What's the difference between religion and philosophy? Aren't they both the search for fundamental truths?
No. Philosophy is, or has become, the study of significant abstractions such as (but not limited to) "reality," "knowledge," "value," and "reason." Religion is not only thinking but *most importantly* behaving under the assumption that the doctrines of a certain religion are true. Similarly, the philosophy of religion is the attempt to critique the claims of religion (e.g. God exists), define religion, or otherwise attempt to examine the intelligibility of religious concepts. On the other hand, theology attempts to defend, define, and interpret the teachings of a religion under the assumption that the object of religious faith (e.g. God) exists.
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dparrott
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by dparrott »

If philosophy is the love of wisdom and your God is all Knowing then loving wisdom and searching it out is religion.
Youngfool
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by Youngfool »

Hello all; and especially "dparrot";

Noting the use of the word "if": Implying doubt; uncertainty.

Very simply, in my philosophy; My "God" "Is"; and I "AM".

Mystically: "My God is the One "I (also) AM".
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dparrott
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by dparrott »

Being uncertain or certain is the difference between someone with an open or closed mind.
Youngfool
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by Youngfool »

Hello all; and esp. dparrot;

But who or what is the one who or that decides, ultimately? However, in my experience of reality I have been in some radical positions. Some could say I have handled my challenges well; some could say, "Not so much"; and some could say, "Not at all".

By the way: I admit to sometimes having a closed mind. However, and at the same time; I like to think (imagine) that that I know when I am being closed minded; just to argue a point or point out a position; by the way. I mean geez; I didn't survive my childhood for nothing.
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dparrott
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by dparrott »

I just like to use "if" because I am open to changing my opinion. So I use "if" to show that I'm not sure myself about most everything.
Youngfool
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy

Post by Youngfool »

Hello all and dparrot

Re

As I have some doubt that
philosophy is the love of wisdom, and some doubt that your God is all Knowing ; then this conclusion loving wisdom and searching it out is religion. could be "a" truth, but it Is not absolutely true; in and of itself.
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