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PHILOSOPHY, RELIGION
and
PHILOSOPHY OF
RELIGION
•PHILOSOPHY
• Philosophy aims to provide answers to some ultimate questions about the souce and nature of being, knowledge and value. In doing so, unlike scientific disciplines, it is supposed to be more general in terms of its questions and answers.
RELIGION
Similarly, religion in dealing with some ultimate questions about the the source of the universe seems to display a similar character, even though it is methodologically different.
In attempt to answer these questions philosophy depends on unaided (human) reason whereas religions, particularly the theistic ones, draws on (divine) revelation. Unlike philosophy, religions also involves various beliefs (or faith) as well as rituals and worship.
However,
both philosophy and religion display some significant differences. There are different philosophical as well religious traditions. In philosophy
there are materialist, empricist, rationalist, realist, idealist etc.,
traditions. Similarly there are many religious traditions which can be basically divided ‘theistic’ and ‘non-theistic’ religions. Essential to the theistic religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam is the idea of a personal God who is the eternal, omniscient, omnipotent and
omnibenevolent creator the universe.
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION
Given the differences among various philosophical and religious traditions, one should not make an overgeneralisation about philosophy and religion.
Does philosophy conflict with religion? A proper answer to this question depends on our conceptions of philosophy and religion.
Just as there is a conflict between materialist and idealist approaches in philosophy, similarly there are conficts among even theistic religions.
So, a particular philosophical approach can be compatible or incompatible with a particular religion or religious belief.
PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
• Philosophy of religion, as philosophical discipline, is a philosophical approach or examination of religion/ religious beliefs.
• Philosophy of religion therefore aims at providing an analytical/
critical examination of religious concepts and beliefs in order to determine their rationality.
• Philosophers of religion, in doing this, aims at objectivity. Yet, philosophy of religion is critical but not antagonistic to religion.
Philosophy of religion is related to some philosophical and religious disciplines.
Philosophical Disciplines: Religious Disciplines:
- Epistemology - Theology/Kalam - Metaphysics - History of Religions - Ethics - Sociology fo Religion
- Philosophy of Science - Psychology of Religion - Philosophy of Language
- Philosophy of Mind
