Throughout history, the world's great thinkers and philosophers have attempted to define the most efficient and effective way to obtain knowledge. ... Specifically, Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Immanuel Kant's What is Enlightenment?... Although Smith believes that the personal interests of others govern man's actions, he also feels that "that religion enforces the natural sense of duty" (Smith III.I.112). ... Immanuel Kant's "What is Enlightenment?" ... Kant's argument is similar to the theory of Adam Smith in the sense that both philosop...

• Word Count: 911
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The modern era in Jewish thought was established by the alarmingly radical figure of seventeenth century philosopher, Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677), who influenced Enlightenment thought throughout Europe as part of an international ideological movement. ... Spinoza highlighted the tensions of enlightenment. ... These "Five Articles- of the English Deists make up the core of all religions and of Christianity in its primitive, uncorrupted form. ... The laws of nature were equated with the laws of God in Enlightenment thinking. ... Although a relatively unfamiliar notion in Western philosophy an...

• Word Count: 2438
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Philosophers believe that Buddhism is a philosophy since it is an educational practice that does not center on a supernatural being. ... Religion requires rites and celebration to focus on God. ... The significance of meditation is that it leads to self-control, enlightenment, and cleansing. ... They want people to view religion as any practice that involves paraphernalia of religion. ... Those who think the practice is a religion say that since the practice incorporates the trappings of religion, it is an absolute religion (Rue 9). ...

• Word Count: 1254
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Athenian philosopher, Socrates has emerged as one of the most influential individuals of modern thought and has played a large role in molding the way that many societies view a majority of the established principles of modern life. His ideas involving spiritual matters, the soul, individual enlightenment, and the truth are still very much practiced today. The amount of influence that Socrates has on a society depends on where that society is located as well as the type of government, leadership, and religion. ... Throughout history there has been expansions in religion, democracy, and indi...

• Word Count: 927
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Kierkegaard argues that any commitment at this moment will suffice, but does not propose any particular religion, person, or dogma at this moment as long as the identified commitment is centered on self-commitment as well as commitment to others (McDonald, 2012). ... A philosopher of good recognition would have therefore encompassed this in his argument and argued that man will do anything, including helping others or else oppressing others to achieve self -happiness and fulfillment. ... The Ethical Stage The author fails again as a philosopher as he assumes that every individual will progres...

• Word Count: 1133
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Unlike most other religions, Hinduism does not advocate the worship of one particular deity. ... In this view, it is knowledge, not ritual, that gives the ultimate source of truth and the way to enlightenment. ... However, where the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist beliefs stemmed from the existence of the transcendent, or other plane of existence, the Greek philosophers focused more on the explanations for the here-and-now. ...

• Word Count: 774
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate