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.
Browse Subcategories

Featured content, December 23, 2024

What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?
The world’s major religions have followers in the billions. Find out which one has the most.
Murder Most Horrid: The Grisliest Deaths of Roman Catholic Saints
Methods of martyrdom you may not have heard of.
To All Nations: 8 Fascinating Jesuit Missionaries
They came, they taught, they converted.
Who Is Hanukkah Harry?
Find out the origins of the fictional Hanukkah Harry.
Confucius
Confucius was China’s most famous teacher, philosopher, and political theorist, whose ideas have profoundly influenced the...
Judaism
Judaism, monotheistic religion developed among the ancient Hebrews. Judaism is characterized by a belief in one transcendent...
ethics
Ethics, the discipline concerned with what is morally good and bad and morally right and wrong. The term is also applied...
Christianity
Christianity, major religion stemming from the life, teachings, and death of Jesus of Nazareth (the Christ, or the Anointed...

Philosophy & Religion Quizzes

World Religions & Traditions
Do you believe you know all there is to know about faith around the globe? From temples to festivals, this quiz explores...
Buddha and Buddhism
Founded by one man, this religion now inspires millions. Test your "enlightenment" in this quiz about Buddha and Buddhism.
World Religions Quiz
What holiday comes before Lent? Where is the holiest Islamic city located? Sort out world religions in this quiz that will...
Religion: High and Mighty Quiz
Can you name the first book of the Hebrew Bible? What Indian festival celebrates the goddess Durga? Test your knowledge of...
Religion Across the Globe
Who freed the slaves in Egypt? Where is the holiest city in Islam? Sort out these geographical facts about religion.
A Study of Religion: Fact or Fiction?
Do Sikh texts contain many images of God? Do Muslims always face north in prayer? Sort fact from fiction in this study of...
World Religions: Fact or Fiction?
Is Sikhism a branch of Buddhism? Are the first five books of the Hebrew Bible called the Torah? Sort out the facts in this...
This or That?: Greek Gods vs. Roman Gods
Greek and Roman mythology borrowed heavily from each other. Match these infamous gods with their country of origin.
What’s In a Name? Philosopher Edition
Philosophers are often referred to by their surnames only. Do you remember the given names of these famous philosophers?
Holidays and Festivals: Which Religion?
You may know your own religion’s traditions, but do you know who celebrates these holidays and festivals?
Image Gallery
Philosophy & Religion
Never Miss a Day in History
Sign up for daily fun facts about this day in history, updates, and special offers delivered right to your inbox.

Philosophy & Religion Subcategories

Romulus and Remus suckling their wolf foster mother 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
Voltaire 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
Cicero Philosophical Issues
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.
Articles
Martin Luther Religious Personages & Scholars
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
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.
Articles
Mahalia Jackson Sacred Art & Music
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
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.
Articles
Charles Sprague Pearce: Religion Spirituality
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
Tenrikyo Religious Movements & Organizations
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
Articles
Britannica Premium
Did you know you're not getting the full Britannica experience? Access unlimited content with none of the ads by becoming a Britannica Premium subscriber.