Write a 350-700 word response, in which you choose two or three Eastern philosophies and describe how they compare. Take sides, determine which philosophies are most persuasive, and explain why.

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I need to choose two or three Eastern philosophies and describe how they compare. I also need to take sides and determine which philosophies are most persuasive.

Philosophy of religion is the philosophical examination of the central themes and concepts involved in religious traditions. It involves all the main areas of philosophy: metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics and value theory, the philosophy of language, philosophy of science, law, sociology, politics, history, and so on. Philosophy of religion also includes an investigation into the religious significance of historical events (e.g., the Holocaust) and general features of the cosmos (e.g., laws of nature, the emergence of conscious life, widespread testimony of religious significance, and so on). Section one offer an overview of the field and its significance, with subsequent sections covering developments in the field since the mid-twentieth century. These sections will address philosophy of religion as studied primarily in analytic departments of philosophy and religious studies in English speaking countries. His philosophical exploration of religious beliefs and practices is evident in the earliest recorded philosophy, east and west. In the west, throughout Greco-Roman philosophy and the medieval era, philosophical reflection on God, or gods, reason and faith, the soul, afterlife, and so on were not considered to be a sub-discipline called “philosophy of religion.” The philosophy of God was simply one component among many interwoven philosophical projects. This intermingling of philosophical inquiry with religious themes and the broader enterprises of philosophy (e.g. political theory, epistemology, and et al.) is apparent among many early modern philosophers such as John Locke and George Berkeley. Only gradually do we find texts devoted exclusively to religious themes. The first use of the term “philosophy of religion” in English occurs in the 17th century work of Ralph Cud worth. Cud worth and his Cambridge University colleague Henry Moore produced philosophical work with a specific focus on religion and so, if one insisted on dating the beginning of philosophy of religion as a field, there are good reasons for claiming that it began (gradually) in the mid- 17th century (see Taliaferro 2005). A significant amount of work on the meaningfulness of religious language was carried out in the medieval period, with major contributions made by Maimonides (1135-1204), Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Duns Scouts (1266-1308), and William of Ockham (1285-1347). This work built on the even earlier work on Religious language by Philo (20 BCE-50CE), Clement (150-215) and Origen (185-259) of Alexandria. In the modern era, the greatest concentration on religious language has taken place in response to logical positivism and to the latter work of Wittgenstein (1889-1951). This section and the next highlight these two more recent movements.

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Buddhism and Zen Buddhism. Zen Buddhism is a sect of Buddhism. Zen Masters are similar to monks in many ways... They believe that enlightenment comes from removing yourself from the desires of the physical world. Zen masters, however, are teachers and philosophers as well, they teach others about how much meaning life has when one no longer gives in to material pleasures. Zen is more philosophical.... I am not scholared in eastern philosophies but I do believe that yoga and meditation are very good ways of getting back to our center. It is good to have balance like is explained in the chinese philosophy of yin and yang as well. I can't take sides, I believe that a lot could be learned from all of the eastern philosophies, in terms of living life in moderation and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.... I think this is why yoga and meditation have become so popular in America.

To compare and contrast Eastern philosophies, we can examine two prominent schools of thought: Confucianism and Buddhism. Both of these philosophies originated in ancient East Asia and have had a significant impact on the region's cultural, social, and moral landscapes. In this essay, I will present an analysis of these two philosophies, discussing their key principles, their points of convergence, and ultimately determine which I find more persuasive.

Confucianism, rooted in the teachings of Confucius, emphasizes the moral and ethical aspects of life, focusing on cultivating harmonious relationships in society. It promotes the principles of benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), propriety (li), and wisdom (zhi). Confucianism places a great emphasis on familial and hierarchical relationships, highlighting filial piety and the importance of maintaining social order. The philosophy advocates for the ideal of the junzi, an individual who embodies moral virtues and acts as a role model within society.

On the other hand, Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, focuses on personal enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It posits the Four Noble Truths – the existence of suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to the cessation of suffering – as the core of its teaching. Buddhism encourages individuals to detach themselves from worldly desires and attachments, practicing meditation and mindfulness to achieve inner peace and harmony. The philosophy promotes the concept of interdependence, viewing all beings as interconnected and advocating compassion and loving-kindness towards all.

While both Confucianism and Buddhism share a commitment to ethical living, they differ in their approaches and priorities. Confucianism emphasizes social relationships and the responsibilities that come with them, believing that a well-ordered society is the basis of overall harmony. Buddhism, on the other hand, emphasizes the individual's quest for liberation and self-realization as the key to finding inner peace.

In terms of persuasiveness, I find Buddhism more compelling. The concept of suffering and its causes, as well as the path to liberation from suffering, resonate deeply with many individuals. Buddhism's emphasis on personal responsibility and inner transformation resonates with me because it suggests that true and lasting change begins with oneself. The practice of mindfulness and meditation promotes self-reflection and self-awareness, enabling individuals to better understand themselves and their place in the world.

However, it's important to acknowledge that both philosophies have their merits and can coexist harmoniously. Confucianism provides a strong framework for social harmony and community ethics, emphasizing the importance of relationships and moral conduct. Its emphasis on filial piety, respect for elders, and hierarchical order has provided stability and structure in many Eastern societies throughout history.

In conclusion, both Confucianism and Buddhism offer valuable insights and principles for ethical living and individual growth. While Confucianism provides a solid foundation for harmonious social relationships, Buddhism's focus on personal enlightenment and liberation from suffering resonates more with me. Ultimately, the choice between these philosophies is a personal one, and the most persuasive philosophy will vary depending on an individual's values, beliefs, and life experiences.