Can you imagine if people were taught philosophy rather than religion
Discussion
No thanks. Religion has produced far more value to civilization than secular philosophy ever has.
How did decide / come to the conclusion on this value?
Virtually every ounce of western civilization was originally founded upon Christianity, or in some cases, Christianized versions of a previously existing religion/culture.
Meanwhile, the biggest impact a school of philosophy had is Marxism, which extends beyond the economic philosophy core of communism and into every facet of society. As we see Marxism swarm the west, its no coincidence that we see western civilization crumbling before our very eyes.
Replacing religion with philosophy dooms a civilization. Traditional philosophy, like the studies of the great Greek philosophers, is compatible with these values because it really was just as its name implied: love of wisdom. Modern philosophy is a godless religion of humanism and basing your worldview on any form of humanism is a recipe for disaster or, at best, a recipe for disappointment and disillusionment.
I think it's important to look at many different viewpoints when thinking about how Marxism has affected philosophy. While Marxism has definitely had a big influence on philosophical discussions over the last hundred years, it's also important to remember the lasting impact of other important philosophers throughout history, like Aristotle, Plato, Kant, Bertrand Russell, and Descartes. Each of these thinkers has made big and long-lasting contributions to philosophy, and their ideas still affect how we think about philosophy today.
We should acknowledge that philosophical thinking is diverse and has many different sides. Also, I respect the role that religion plays in many people's lives, and I know that both religion and philosophy have had an important impact on the world I feel that philosophy is just not making it into the daily teaching anymore.
Well, I did mention classic Greek philosophers for that reason. I believe that if we're seeking wisdom, that's good, but it needs to be done in a way that doesn't try to red explain away theology. It's similar to how secular science irks me to no end. Philosophy, like science, should ultimately guide one toward the divine.
Would this be the difference betwen being taught to think for one's self (verify) vs being taught to believe those in power (trust)?
Well, as they say, don't trust, verify!
But the argument would be you cannot verify, but that doesn’t mean its not true.
Think shrodengers cat. It is both alive & dead until we verify.
Careful, I am not meaning to validate or invalidate any existential belief, only the power structures built around that belief. ;)
You initially presented this as changing what is taught. There is another argument that belief itself cannot be taught or learned.
All of this only opens up with an appreciation of philosophy, rather than religion.
But I know I take an extreme anti-religion stance. That stance is based on my beliefs, most of which are supported by my philosophy.
Hear, hear 👏
We probably should skip hunderds years of development... Maybe thousands.
Philosophy has no concepts like grace, mercy, hope, and love.
Instead, at best, philosophy is a performance ethos (pursue virtue and it will lead to a happy life).
Philosophy excludes divine illumination, from which the above transcendentals are understood.