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 13, 2026
Islam
Islam, major world religion promulgated by the Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the 7th century ce. The Arabic term islām, literally...
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...
Hinduism
Hinduism, major world religion originating on the Indian subcontinent and comprising several and varied systems of philosophy,...
Political philosophy
Political philosophy, branch of philosophy that is concerned, at the most abstract level, with the concepts and arguments...
Western philosophy
Western philosophy encompasses the history of philosophy in the West from its development among the ancient Greeks of Classical...
Philosophy & Religion Quizzes
Philosophy & Religion Videos
Philosophy & Religion Subcategories
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.
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- Germanic religion and mythology
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Arabian religion
ancient religion
- Mesopotamian religion
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.
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Ethical relativism
philosophy
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Situation ethics
philosophy
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Altruism
ethics
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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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.
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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
Philosophical Issues
Are you ready to delve into the myriad possible answers to such complex questions as "What makes an action virtuous?" or "What is the nature of consciousness?" 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.
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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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Islam
religion
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Eastern Orthodoxy
Christianity
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Judaism
religion
Religious Figures & Scholars
Discover the influential religious figures and scholars whose teachings, writings, reforms, and example have shaped belief, practice, and spiritual life across traditions.
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Martin Luther
German religious leader
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St. John Paul II
pope
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Muhammad
prophet of Islam
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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Lourdes
France
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Dome of the Rock
shrine, Jerusalem
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Serapeum
ancient temples, Egypt
Sacred Art & Music
Faith has inspired some of humanity’s most moving creative work, from icons and architecture to hymns and chant. Explore art and music made for worship, devotion, and the expression of the sacred.
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Anton Bruckner
Austrian composer
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Luigi Boccherini
Italian composer
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Franz Liszt
Hungarian composer
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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Dead Sea Scrolls
ancient manuscripts
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Shruti
Hindu sacred literature
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Talmud and Midrash
Judaism
Spirituality
Spirituality reaches beyond formal doctrine into questions of meaning, inner life, practice, and connection. Explore the many ways people have sought wisdom, transcendence, and peace.
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Religious Movements & Organizations
Religious life is shaped not only by belief, but by the communities and movements that carry it forward. Explore the groups, institutions, and reform efforts that have organized faith in action.
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Aladura
Nigerian religion
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Essene
ancient Jewish sect
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Counter-Reformation
religious history