why are questions on religion been posted in the philosophy category?

Question

if i wanted to read about religion (which i don't) then i would go visit the religion and spirituality category. (which i wouldn't)

so give me a yes or no...
do you think religious topics belong in philosophy?

Answer 1

Yes it does, because it is something that can and should be debated using logical reasoning. If you try and ask too deep of a question in the religious section, you'll just get a bunch of people saying "Go, read a bible!", or "Christians are idiots!", but you won't actually get an intelligent answer.

Answer 2

It depends. A lot of religion is based in philosophy. If it's a question about what the Bible or Koran says on a certain point, no that's not philosophy and belongs in Religion & Spirituality. If it's a more general question about the nature of God, for example, that's probably better placed in Religion & Spirituality, but a good argument could be made for it's placement in Philosophy. An ethical question, even if phrased in religious terms, would fit Philosophy perfectly.

Answer 3

Yes, they can belong - it depends on the question.

There is a part of philosophy called Philosophy of Religion. It explores the relationship between reason and religion.

Here are some examples of philosophy questions about religion:

What is the nature of religion?

What are the arguments for and against belief in God, and how strong are they?

Are religious claims the sort of claim that can be true or false?

Does the concept of 'miracles' make sense?

Answer 4

Yes, they do belong in the philosophy category. Any question that allows humans to ponder how they should act towards others can be answered with a certain philosophy on life and that's what religion is, a philosophy on life. That is just an example of one type of question.

Answer 5

Maybe it depends on the question? I was taught "philosophy" was derived from the Greek "love of wisdom". So one might divide much religious doctrine into aspects pursuing wisdom (philosophy), and other aspects dexploring particular dogma (religion). Personally I can't see how any world view incorporating unsubstantiated "belief" (implying unsupported assumptions and derived expectations), or "faith" (a kind of blind optimism?) - and supernatural beings or sky gods - could be described as "philosophy". Philosophy rests surely on observation and reason. But I wouldn't expect believers to appreciate the difference between that and their own convictions. It's curious that most know so little about religion (their own and others) that they can't see the contradictions in their own, avoid the contradiction of others, and fail to see that the "wisdoms" in their own "holy book" are universal, and the common sense experience of humanity over many different societies and times. Ethics, after all, are self-enforcing in the interests of all in an enclosed system.

Answer 6

Religion began with a philosophy. Religions are a philosophy of life, of how to live according to their philosophical guidelines. The science of Philosophy aims to answer ALL of life's questions. Religion is just the "Idiot's Guide" summary of some people's most 'accepted' answers.
So, as religion and philosophy are so similar, they could be classified under the same label. If you are a true philosopher, ignoring all religions will hamper your viewpoint on mankind. Socrates was the most famous philosopher that went against religion, and got kicked out of his land because of it, & he too said that people need something to believe in- thus religion is a necessary evil (if you want to call it thus).

Answer 7

No.

Philosophy has surpassed its link to religion. Read any modern philosophy passed say 1850-- the entire movement is away from the religious assumptions. It's not just the rhetorical flavor of the week. Philosophy has always tried to explain the world WITHOUT falling back on a divine creator. Socrates was doing exactly this, and was given the ultimate punishment for his lack of piety. The middle ages are over, the inquisition gone, and with it the need for scholars to genuflect before the church. Read Hume, Kierkegaard, Russel, Ayer, they will spell it out for you. There are no programs in any credible philosophy dept. that treat theological questions in any positive sense. As soon as you invoke God, any rational debate is over. Theology piggybacks on philosophy to support itself, IT TRIES to do so, to act like philosophy, but that relationship is not reciprocated, nor should such festering disciplines relegated to apologetics be conferred any logical attribution in doing so.

Answer 8

Religion is a part of philosophy. Many well known philosophers have written on God and religion. Since there is a religion section here it would be more appropriate, most times, to put questions there, though.

Answer 9

No. Philosophy is about trying to comprehend. Religion is about trying to believe. The two do not belong together.

Answer 10

Yes, they do. "phi·los·o·phy ( P ) Pronunciation Key (f-ls-f)
n. pl. phi·los·o·phies 2. Investigation of the nature, causes, or principles of reality, knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods. 4. The critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs." Hm...sounds like religion to me. Whether you like it or not religion is part of philosophy, even if you only philosophize to dispute a particular religion or religion in general. You can choose to ignore it, but it belongs there.