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, November 22, 2024

Plato and Aristotle: How Do They Differ?
Learn more about how these two key philosophers were related and how their teachings differed.
To All Nations: 8 Fascinating Jesuit Missionaries
They came, they taught, they converted.
11 Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
Worship like an Egyptian.
What Do Eggs Have to Do with Easter?
Easter or not, bunnies don’t lay eggs
philosophy of mind
Philosophy of mind, reflection on the nature of mental phenomena and especially on the relation of the mind to the body and...
epistemology
Epistemology, the philosophical study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge. The term is derived from the...
aesthetics
Aesthetics, the philosophical study of beauty and taste. It is closely related to the philosophy of art, which is concerned...
humanism
Humanism, system of education and mode of inquiry that originated in northern Italy during the 13th and 14th centuries and...

Philosophy & Religion Quizzes

Don’t Drink the Punch Quiz
And by punch, we mean any fruit drink with nefarious intentions. Test your knowledge of all the doomsday prophets and cult...
Ghosts: Fact or Fiction?
Eek, a ghost! Or is that a ghost bat? Or a word game? Test your knowledge of all kinds of ghosts with this true or false...
Happy Hanukkah Quiz
How many days is Hanukkah celebrated? How many candles are on the menorah? See how much you know about Hanukkah with this...
“Oh, Christmas Tree!” Quiz
“Oh, Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, how did you come to be?” See how much you know about the origin of the Christmas...
Jolly Old St. Nicholas Quiz
You probably know that the legend of Santa Claus evolved from St. Nicholas. But who is this saint, anyway?
The Meaning of Epiphany Quiz
When is Epiphany celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church? In the West? What does Epiphany celebrate, anyway? Answer these...
Ancient Gods and Monsters Quiz 
Who is Quetzalcóatl’s dog-headed companion? Who are the group of maidens who serve the god Odin? Test your knowledge....
Hindu Religion and Myth Quiz
What is the name of the monkey commander of the monkey army mentioned in the Ramayana? Who is the Hindu goddess...
Norse Mythology Basics Quiz
Who was the son of the chief god Odin and his wife, Frigg? What is the name of Thor’s hammer? Test your knowledge. Take the...
More Norse Mythology Quiz
Who is the watchman of the gods? What is the name of the rainbow bridge that is the entrance to Asgard? Test your knowledge....
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Philosophy & Religion
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Philosophy & Religion Subcategories

Romulus and Remus suckling their wolf foster mother 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.
Articles
subcategory placeholder 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.
Articles
Roger Bacon 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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Voltaire 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.
Articles
Cicero Philosophical Issues
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 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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Martin Luther Religious Personages & Scholars
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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How is sewage and industrial wastewater reclaimed for use? 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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Mahalia Jackson Sacred Art & Music
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
Chapter 49 of the Isaiah Scroll 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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Charles Sprague Pearce: Religion Spirituality
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Tenrikyo Religious Movements & Organizations
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
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