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

Numbers and Mathematics
A-B-C, 1-2-3… If you consider that counting numbers is like reciting the alphabet, test how fluent you are in the language...
A Book Review: Fact or Fiction?
In The War of the Worlds, were the enemies of Earth from Venus? Unlock your imagination and discover the literary...
A Brief History of the Computer Told from the 1990s: A Quiz
Sure, you may know all there is to know about the latest Macbook Pro. But can you compete in computer history as told from...
A Capital Idea
The city or town that functions as the seat of government and administrative center of a country, state, territory or province...
A Few Facts About Food Processing Quiz
How much do you know about where your food comes from? What about the science behind food processing? Test your knowledge...
A Game of Tennis: Fact or Fiction?
You may be familiar with Serena Williams and Andre Agassi, but how much do you really know about tennis? From its gameplay...
A Good Old-Fashioned Quiz
Can you name these antiquated items?
A Good Walk Spoiled
No one really knows how golf came to be
A History of Everyday Technology in 68 Quiz Questions
Have you ever wanted a nonchronological history of technologies that became, during one era or another, part of everyday...
A History of Theatre Quiz
Shakespeare claimed that all the world’s a stage, but there are no questions about him in this quiz. Figure out how much...

Philosophy & Religion Subcategories

Bronze sculpture of a she-wolf standing over the twins Romulus and Remus, who are kneeling and nursing beneath her, displayed in the Capitoline Museums, Rome. 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.
Articles
Life-sized plaster sculpture Seated Voltaire by Jean-Antoine Houdon shows Voltaire draped in a robe, seated with a thoughtful expression and a ribbon crown, against a dark background. 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
Marble bust of Marcus Tullius Cicero, shown with short hair and draped clothing, displayed against a black background. 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.
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 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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St. Bernadette of Lourdes 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
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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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
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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Tenrikyo 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.
Articles
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