Introduction
The realm of philosophy and the rationality it brought upon a world filled with superstition and a myriad of accounts on what was considered to be morally just and unjust has for long been lauded. Researchers have for long delved into the concept of philosophy and the motivations behind them in addition to the greatest proponents of the most prevalent concepts and themes of philosophy that have for decades been adopted into cultures (Wilhelmsen, 2017). The mental construct of philosophy has been of great interest to scholars and researchers alike with most findings pointing to the prevalence of classical philosophical theories and Christian philosophical theories, both which have greatly defined the norms and rules of behavior (Wilhelmsen, 2017).
Classical philosophical theories were mainly based on ancient Greek myths in addition to being inspired by the way of life and cultural practices of the then Greece. Greece had gained a reputation for being the among most advanced society, socially, philosophically and politically as compared to other empires of its period (Wilhelmsen, 2017). The intellectual society of Greece gained a reputation for being rational and having a comprehensive and liberal approach to philosophy with a myriad of schools of philosophy and behavior sprouting in its major cities (Wilhelmsen, 2017). On the other hand, Christian based philosophy made its advent in the wake of the spread of Christianity which saw to the proliferation of a myriad of philosophical theories based on the religious teachings of Christianity (Wilhelmsen, 2017). While the concepts and themes established by classical philosophers and Christianity are centered upon similar concepts of good and evil and the inclination of humans to do what is just and moral, the two forms of philosophy have stack differences. These differences pertain to the underlying inspirations and theories that inspired the concepts advanced by either form of philosophy.
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Main differences
The most outstanding difference between classical philosophy and Christian based philosophy is the inspiration behind the concepts advanced by each form of philosophy. Classical philosophy prides itself in establishing liberty and freedom in choice and thinking begging individuals to ensure that their philosophical theories stood the test of time and intellectual criticism (Wilhelmsen, 2017). The subject of the philosophical theories and concepts was left to the determination of the philosopher and their field or school of specialization. On the other hand, while Christian philosophy recognizes and asserts the validity and rationality of classical philosophical thought, the determination on whether a given concept is adaptable or not lies in whether the theory aligns with the Cristian faith (Wilhelmsen, 2017). Christianity deeply bases its philosophy and believes in the teachings contained in the scriptures together with moral and ethical codes that were largely defined by the Roman Catholic Church. Independence of thought in Christian philosophy was therefore encouraged even though only to the extent to which the concepts were in line with the underlying truths of the Christian faith.
Another difference drawn between the classical philosophy and Christian based philosophy is the complementary nature of each as can be applied to either way of life and schools of thought (Wilhelmsen, 2017). Expounding further on this issue, research findings delineate to the fact that classical philosophical concepts are largely applicable to religious rhetoric and concepts and therefore classical philosophy acts in a complementary capacity to theological philosophy (Wilhelmsen, 2017). This especially pertains to aspects of life that apply to a wide array of cultures and religious denominations in addition to attending to concepts that would have been overseen by religious philosophers (Wilhelmsen, 2017). Religious philosophy on the other hand faces the same amount of philosophical criticism as any philosophical theory or school of thought and is therefore treated as more of a substitute given that classical philosophy is more inclined to loyalty to the parent school of thought.
Moreover, research findings point to the fact that concepts and theories of classical philosophy were lauded for being rational and begging to logic. Supporters of classical philosophy lauded it for being able to cut across the divide of religion and cultural beliefs given the fact that it was founded upon teachings on the most basic human instincts and natural inclinations (Wilhelmsen, 2017). Scholarly findings also delineate to the fact that classical philosophy was barely concerned about the metaphysical influence on nature and morality which influences human behavior but was rather more inclined to asserting the role of scientific and social theories in human behavior (Wilhelmsen, 2017). On the other hand, Christian based philosophy is based upon theories of faith and the believe in the metaphysical which is barely backed by any scientific evidence or social theories of moral behavior and ethical conduct of individuals. To this extent therefore, it is safe to conclude that while classical philosophy was more evidence based and relied upon proven concepts of social conduct Christian based philosophy was based upon the individual and personal inclination to believe the theories and concepts rather than based upon evidences.
Conclusions
It is safe to conclude that both classical philosophy and Christian based philosophy has largely defined the nature of human interaction and conduct over the past centuries with research findings pointing to the prevalence of both theories albeit in different degrees through history (Wilhelmsen, 2017). Classical philosophers were mainly organized into the various schools which defined the concepts advanced by various philosophers while Christian based philosophy was based on the universal underlying truths of the Christian faith (Wilhelmsen, 2017). Moreover, while classical philosophy was based upon scientific research and rational theory, Christian based philosophy was based upon the concept of faith and dependence upon the metaphysical to define the scope of human moral conduct and behavior.
References
Wilhelmsen, F. D. (2017). Christianity and Political Philosophy . Routledge.
