Scientific event

From the perspective of modern social sciences, religion is a complex set of beliefs, practices, rituals, values, and teachings concerning the relationship between human beings and what is perceived as sacred, divine, or transcendent. Its fundamental pillars include belief in a supreme being, religious practices aimed at fostering connection with the divine and fulfilling the spiritual needs of followers, the presence of ethics guiding human behavior, and the existence of sacred texts around which followers gather, forming a religious community. Places of worship, such as temples, churches, and mosques, play a central role in religious life. Religious interpretation is also a key pillar, as religious beliefs and texts are interpreted differently by various religious groups, leading to divisions within religion and the emergence of different sects or denominations. Finally, religion is linked to spirituality, which refers to the personal experience of transcendence in the pursuit of connection with the divine. In contrast, philosophy is a system of thought concerned with fundamental questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, ethics, and politics. It aims to deepen understanding of these issues through logical reasoning and encourages critical thinking. "Philosophy of religion" focuses on issues related to faith, doctrine, the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the relationship between religion and philosophy. Philosophers have contributed to the development of ethical systems, influencing religious thought and the emergence of philosophical theology. Philosophy has paved the way for rationalism by asserting that there is no absolutely certain knowledge.

The relationship between philosophy and religion has been rich and complex throughout history, varying across different philosophical and religious traditions. Ancient Greek philosophy, with Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, challenged religious beliefs. Similarly, in the Middle Ages, there were conflicts between philosophy and theology. In other instances, there have been attempts at synthesis and integration. For example, thinkers like Augustine and Thomas Aquinas sought to reconcile Christian faith with Aristotelian philosophy. The encounter between philosophy and theology in medieval Europe led to debates that continue to this day, including the relationship between faith and knowledge, the question of why God, if He is all-powerful and good, allows evil in the world, and debates about the existence of free will if God is all-powerful. The philosophy of religion deals with normative questions about the truth and potential values ​​of different religions.

During the Enlightenment, the work of philosophers had a significant impact on the philosophy of religion and the way religion is approached within a philosophical context. A distinction was drawn between reason and faith. Religious faith is based on belief and trust, while reason is based on knowledge and understanding. Religious faith cannot be proven by reason because it is based on subjective beliefs, and human reason has limitations. It cannot prove or disprove the existence of God, the immortality of the soul, or other fundamental religious questions, as discussed in Kant's famous work, *Critique of Pure Reason*. Despite the diminished role of reason in religious faith, there was a strong emphasis on religious ethics, asserting that moral obligation stems from following one's duty. This is exemplified in Kant's book, *Religion Within the Limits of Reason Alone* (1793). Our understanding of religion was developed by addressing issues such as ethics, faith, and the nature of evil. Religious tolerance and freedom of conscience were championed, with each individual being free to follow their religious beliefs, provided they do not conflict with their moral obligations towards others. During this period, a complex philosophy (Hegel) also emerged, deeply exploring the relationship between religion and philosophy within the framework of absolute idealism, which posits that ultimate truth is spiritual or ideal. The restriction of reason in its practical application stems from a lesser zeal for religion and a greater zeal for philosophy. This philosophy can be understood as a warning against religious philosophy. However, Hegelian philosophy aims for a complete and rational understanding of reality, including religion. Religion is viewed as a form of expressing truth through images and symbols that help make abstract concepts concrete. Philosophy has the capacity to rationally understand religious truths and integrate religious faith into the philosophical system, as the history of philosophy is a progressive spiritual and intellectual development. The state can be considered an institution capable of reconciling philosophy and religion, serving as the incubator where religious diversity coexists while maintaining political unity.

Religion in general, and Christianity in particular (Friedrich Nietzsche), can be criticized as a source of decadence and weakness for developing a "slave morality" and promoting values ​​of humility, compassion, and submission, which clashed with the "will to power," a vital and creative force. The proclamation of the "death of God" symbolized the end of belief in God as the foundation of moral values ​​and the meaning of life. Other thinkers argued that the loss of this belief would have profound effects on society and culture, including a "fatalism" that encourages acceptance and celebration of reality as it is, without resorting to religious illusions or viewing Christianity as merely a doctrine that tells people how to live to please God. Later, some philosophers (Blaise Pascal, Søren Kierkegaard, etc.) integrated philosophy with theology, addressing religious questions within philosophical frameworks. Kierkegaard argued that the essence of religious experience challenges the secular understanding of philosophical analysis in the same way that aesthetic experience challenges rational understanding. However, in secular societies, philosophy and religion are often separated, and philosophy is used to address existential and ethical questions independently of religion.