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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Featured content, August 09, 2024
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political philosophy
Political philosophy, branch of philosophy that is concerned, at the most abstract level, with the concepts and arguments...
Western philosophy
Western philosophy, history of Western philosophy from its development among the ancient Greeks of Classical antiquity to...
philosophy of art
Philosophy of art, the study of the nature of art, including concepts such as interpretation, representation and expression,...
biblical literature
Biblical literature, four bodies of written works: the Old Testament writings according to the Hebrew canon; intertestamental...
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Philosophy & Religion Subcategories
![Romulus and Remus suckling their wolf foster mother](https://cdn.britannica.com/55/188255-050-C382C9EB/founders-Romulus-and-Remus-Rome-wolf-foster.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)
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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- creation myth
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Syrian and Palestinian religion
ancient religion
- Anatolian religion
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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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altruism
ethics
- animal rights
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hedonism
philosophy
![Roger Bacon](https://cdn.britannica.com/05/147405-050-89E34C8E/Roger-Bacon-philosopher-friar-English-Franciscan.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)
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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- social science
- historiography
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epigraphy
historiography
![Voltaire](https://cdn.britannica.com/25/1325-004-9439D19D/Voltaire-Jean-Antoine-Houdon-Hermitage-St-Petersburg-Russia.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)
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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Francis Bacon
British author, philosopher, and statesman
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Aristotle
Greek philosopher
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Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
German philosopher
![Cicero](https://cdn.britannica.com/58/181058-050-9CC9F60F/Marcus-Tullius-Cicero-detail-marble-bust-Capitoline.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)
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.
Articles
![Abu Darweesh Mosque](https://cdn.britannica.com/63/115263-050-9D187C7B/Abu-Darweesh-Mosque-Amman-Jordan.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)
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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- Christianity
- Islamic world
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Buddhism
religion
![Martin Luther](https://cdn.britannica.com/97/115497-050-7D8CC20E/Portrait-oil-panel-Martin-Luther-Lucas-Cranach.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)
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
![St. Bernadette of Lourdes](https://cdn.britannica.com/91/29891-004-9C0B460A/St-Bernadette.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)
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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Church of the Holy Sepulchre
church, Jerusalem
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St. Peter’s Basilica
church, Vatican City
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Mecca
Saudi Arabia
![Mahalia Jackson](https://cdn.britannica.com/33/163233-050-92B3A954/Mahalia-Jackson-photograph-Carl-Van-Vechten-1962.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Georg Philipp Telemann
German composer
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Austrian composer
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Franz Schubert
Austrian composer
![Chapter 49 of the Isaiah Scroll](https://cdn.britannica.com/79/58679-004-1CCC3895/Chapter-Isaiah-Scroll-Dead-Sea-Scrolls-Shrine.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)
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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Bible
sacred text
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Qurʾān
sacred text
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Bhagavadgita
Hindu scripture
![Tenrikyo](https://cdn.britannica.com/47/147147-050-74AF7248/headquarters-Tenrikyo-city-Tenri-Japan.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)
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