Are Religions/philosophies basically the same?
Values 75% The Same
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Radically Different
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Philosophy can be defined in a number of ways. In academic terms it is the science of thinking about thinking. In colloquial terms it is the collection of thoughts we hold about our perceptions of reality. Inevitably philosophy is our exploration of what we believe to be true and real. As such, religion can be seen as the extension of a branch of philosophy. I personally see religion as a social control system that uses the concept of God to keep society in line with what whomever is in power regards as true and real. That is why we have so many different expressions of religion - it all depends on how we interpret the basis for our beliefs, and the resulting ethics (in the original sense of the word) thereof. In every case where we interpret, we have a frame within which we interpret. This is true for our beliefs concerning God. Therefore religion as a system of beliefs is in fact based on philosophy. Side: Values 75% The Same
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In a way that modern branches in philosophy such as relativism and post-modernism + your comment sets the groundwork for the assumption that philosophy and religious arguments both self-justify their means into designing a blueprint for an objectively better world. Side: Values 75% The Same
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These are two distinct philosophies: It is wrong to kill a human being. It is okay to kill a human being. As are these: Power belongs in the hands of the strong. Power belongs to the people. Religions and philosophies come in many forms, we can objectively classify many (or at least parts of these) as evil or good. There have been many religions in which human sacrifice is not only okay, it is greatly desired (in many cases the victims themselves held the belief that such sacrifice was honorable). Not all religions and philosophies hold values which you would consider to be good, religion and philosophy are not explicitly the realm of the "good". Some religions have no gods, some religions have many, some have only one. What these gods (or spirits/forces) tell their followers to do vary extensively. When you get down to studying the various religions and philosophies you are bound to find both similarities and stark differences. For the most part, however, scales can be developed which depict how close various religions and philosophies are in belief structure and practice. You will find extremes at both ends, following by increasingly similar concepts as you travel further to the middle. Side: Radically Different
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Well, I'd say that the definition of religion closely relates to a belief in a spiritual or non-corporeal cause that creates effects in the world we live in and perceive, whereas some philosophers (lovers of wisdom) create beliefs in certain areas that include the idea of a ethereal causer. So, in that sense I'd say that each religion is a philosophy (regardless of how much wisdom the belief contains), but not necessarily each philosophy a religion. Side: Radically Different
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