There is among the many “isms” of philosophy a recognizable division between those branches of study that are [by varying degrees] inimical to or supportive of (or at minimum are not opposed to) religious belief—or more broadly belief in a supernatural reality of some sort beyond the natural realm of matter occupying points in time and space. The division is not immediately apparent for probably a variety of reasons, maybe the primary one being that the “for” or “against” posture is not the primary aim of any particular philosophical doctrine but is subsidiary to each.
For example, empiricism—the doctrine that knowledge derives from sense experience—while necessary for the study of science is often taken further and used to support refutation of religious claims as knowledge by virtue of their distance from experience. So empiricism is a philosophy not directly against religion, but can be used to criticize it. Relativism--the philosophical doctrine that all criteria of judgment are relative to the individuals and situations involved—is more clear cut in its conflict with religion; most religions support the idea of truth as an absolute, which the relativist of course denies.
I’ve spent more time than I like to admit in bits and pieces online as time permits looking for something like a list of the various philosophies and the general stance of each with respect to the reception of or rejection of religion or the idea of a supernatural reality. I seem to lack the skill of furnishing the best (properly worded) search criteria; can find no references to this division.
Wondering if anyone here has better knowledge of where to find a comparison of this sort and would be gracious enough to share it? Thanks.
For example, empiricism—the doctrine that knowledge derives from sense experience—while necessary for the study of science is often taken further and used to support refutation of religious claims as knowledge by virtue of their distance from experience. So empiricism is a philosophy not directly against religion, but can be used to criticize it. Relativism--the philosophical doctrine that all criteria of judgment are relative to the individuals and situations involved—is more clear cut in its conflict with religion; most religions support the idea of truth as an absolute, which the relativist of course denies.
I’ve spent more time than I like to admit in bits and pieces online as time permits looking for something like a list of the various philosophies and the general stance of each with respect to the reception of or rejection of religion or the idea of a supernatural reality. I seem to lack the skill of furnishing the best (properly worded) search criteria; can find no references to this division.
Wondering if anyone here has better knowledge of where to find a comparison of this sort and would be gracious enough to share it? Thanks.
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