My understanding is that philosophy is basically a framework on which to construct a world view. That view should, 1) reflect the world as it really exists to our best approximation and, 2) allow the holder of that philosophy to exist in that world with understanding, joy, and compassion.
It seems that many divergent, and apparently mutually exclusive, philosophies can be used by different individuals to reach those goals. Such shouldn’t come as a surprise. Most of what surrounds us is mystery, from the actual history and workings of the cosmos to the history and workings of our species, to that of any individual.
So I can find a framework built on Stoicism to be useful while easily recognizing the similarities to other ideologies. (There is much discussion on the correlations between Stoicism and Buddhism.) More importantly is recognizing people of a kindred spirit who are making their way even if their framework is built on an ideology I find puzzling or objectionable. For example two of my daughters and both of their husbands are very committed Catholics. (One of my sons-in-law is a Catholic Priest…really. It is a long story.) They are some of the best people I know.
Getting off topic a bit, there is one big difference between religion and philosophy. Being careful of the semantics; religions are followed while philosophies are studied and applied. Maybe one of the main reasons I find religion unpalatable while finding philosophy interesting and helpful.
It seems that many divergent, and apparently mutually exclusive, philosophies can be used by different individuals to reach those goals. Such shouldn’t come as a surprise. Most of what surrounds us is mystery, from the actual history and workings of the cosmos to the history and workings of our species, to that of any individual.
So I can find a framework built on Stoicism to be useful while easily recognizing the similarities to other ideologies. (There is much discussion on the correlations between Stoicism and Buddhism.) More importantly is recognizing people of a kindred spirit who are making their way even if their framework is built on an ideology I find puzzling or objectionable. For example two of my daughters and both of their husbands are very committed Catholics. (One of my sons-in-law is a Catholic Priest…really. It is a long story.) They are some of the best people I know.
Getting off topic a bit, there is one big difference between religion and philosophy. Being careful of the semantics; religions are followed while philosophies are studied and applied. Maybe one of the main reasons I find religion unpalatable while finding philosophy interesting and helpful.
