From a secular standpoint, doesn't philosophy tell us how to live? Doesn't Religious Doctrine do the same?
2006-10-04 17:51:46 · 11 answers · asked by txrealestateagent 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
they do both offer guidelines for life, but there is a major difference. Philosophy is based on logic and questioning. Religion is based on faith and absolute doctrines. If you have ever taken a philosophy class, you would know that everything is questionable in philosophy, even the foundation and validity of logic. Of course certain assumptions often have to be made, but these assumptions themselves are justified on pragmatic grounds. Religion tends to have a dim view of questioning. Theologians try to make religion as rational as possible, but at the end of the day, faith is the ultimate criteria, and faith is not questioned. In philosophy as few things as possible are allowed to be assumed.
Another major difference is the role of authority. In philosophy, authority counts for nothing. It doesn't matter if the greatest philosopher ever said something if that statement cannot be logically or pragmatically supported. in religion, authority is close to absolute. The sayings of the religious authorities, whether they are prophets, clerics, or even god(s) himself are given credence based on that authority, not on the value of the statement itself.
2006-10-04 18:37:08 · answer #1 · answered by student_of_life 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Religious doctrine is a statement of how to live, usually passed down by elders who showed a pious way of life. Philosophy is the study and contemplation of God's work, which could include ethics and morality, but rests soley on the logical outcome of events. So I would say philosophy tries to make sense in a way that can be questioned, whereas religion is a doctrine of beliefs.
2006-10-04 20:05:30 · answer #2 · answered by Julian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religious Doctrine is based on faith. Philosophy doesn't necessarily assume faith on your part. You can question just about anything in philosophy and you can hope to get explanations and answers. I have come across a religion so far that wouldn't tell me at some point. "Oh, this is not for questioning. This is what this Messiah did and this is what you supposed to do as a follower."
2006-10-04 18:11:18 · answer #3 · answered by Snowflake 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
philosophy is a system for asking questions and understanding the universe. religious doctrine is a set of beliefs and or values that a religious community holds to be binding.
religious doctrine has as its authority tradition, revelation and sometimes reason.
philosophy (depending on WHO's philosophy) uses primarily reason to understand the world.
2006-10-04 18:28:23 · answer #4 · answered by dingwallplayer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES there is a difference
philosphy is about ideas and ways of thinking and moral principles. it does not include any sort of cosmology or concern itself with who created the world or man or where we came from or where we are going, or WHY. it is not about GOD.
Buddhism is often called a religion, but mostly by people who do not know what it is truly about. it is about behavior only. It does not mention God or heaven or hell or creation etc etc. it is not a religion, per se, but a moral philosophy to live by for spiritual advancement and peace of mind. The philosophical approach is to use your brain to observe and think and study and read and reflect and debate and consider and rely upon logic and rational thought to arrive at a moral standard or rules of ethic or behavior. some go into metaphysics of existence, sure, but do not offer GOD as an explanation. EX: the rule of "might makes right" is a rule of philosophy and not a religious rule. it is based upon logic and also empirical evidence. it is not a religious rule of conduct.
All religions, to call themselves religions, must concern themselves with cosmology and god and heaven and hell and creation etc etc. they usually are built upon faith and belief rather than logic or knowledge as philosopy is. Yes, they have strayed into areas of moral behavior, much like philosophy, but the behavior is based upon religious dogma or dictates or blind faith and adherence to rules, and not based upon thoughtful reflection or debate. Example: "honor the sabbath" is not a philosophical rule, it is strictly a religious rule, predicated upon a belief in a supreme being that likes to be worshipped. Example: There are no logical reasons to forbid prostitution, but most religions do not approve.
2006-10-04 18:50:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Degree of flexibility and ability to change when warranted. Religious doctrine arises from dogmatic faith, Philosophy from logic and wisdom.
2006-10-04 18:03:19 · answer #6 · answered by small 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes there is a big differentce.
Philosophy is the humam knowledge, a system of ideas of shuch thincking.
Religious Doctrine is belonging to a monastic order.
2006-10-04 18:26:28 · answer #7 · answered by Preacher's Daughter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there is a difference. One is responsible for the arts, humanities, culture, and creative thought. The other is mumbo-jumbo.
2006-10-04 17:54:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
we have two important phylosophy current : idealism and matterialism . religious is a subdivision of idealism . phylosophy teaches us how to watch universe and think about it.
2006-10-04 20:54:53 · answer #9 · answered by eshaghi_2006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shouldn't ! The one that provides us with --makes us find out--keen and workable data
to enhace our lives and make us soar high up, this is the one!!!!
Ciao.........John-John.
2006-10-05 00:43:18 · answer #10 · answered by John-John 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋