Religion vs. Philosophy
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
-- 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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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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Re: Religion vs. 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.
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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
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!
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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.
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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.What's the difference between religion and philosophy? Aren't they both the search for fundamental truths?
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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Re: Religion vs. Philosophy
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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