Premium Essay

Belief Systems

In: Computers and Technology

Submitted By Bekbobo
Words 2489
Pages 10
Sample Essay 1

Belief systems and philosophies have greatly affected the people and societies where they are practiced. They give guidelines on how to live their lives and affect every aspect of their cultures. Two such belief systems and philosophies are Hinduism and Confucianism.

Hinduism is a religion with no founder. The people who practice this religion believe in moksha and reincarnation. Moksha is the freedom from earthly desires and a complete understanding of the world. Reincarnation is the belief that people are reborn over and over again until achieving moksha. Whether or not they are born into a good life depends on their previous life’s karma (good or bad deeds). In Hinduism, they also have a caste system. It divides people into four social classes and hardly gives any social mobility at all. People are decided which class they belong to at birth. For example, if a child is born into a family of slaves, that child will be a slave for the rest of his life.

Confucianism is a philosophy started by Confucius in China. In Confucianism, the people valued education and believed in filial piety, the respect for elders. They also believed in the spirits of ancestors and created the famous quote, “do not do unto others, what you would not want them to do unto you.”

Hinduism and Confucianism greatly affected the people and societies they were practiced in. In Hinduism, because of the belief in reincarnation and karma, people avoided doing bad deeds. Those who achieved moksha gained a complete understanding of the world and got rid of their desires. However, the caste systems also introduced discrimination. People of different classes were treated differently. In Confucianism, it brought a sophisticated education system and people respected their elders. It also affected the roles of family members. For example, the oldest males were always considered

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Beng Belief System

...ANT 102 Beng Belief System The Beng culture, fascinating and unique, is learned about in the books written by Alma Gottlieb. Beng people have a specific belief system that is exemplified in both Parallel Worlds and the video clips created for The Afterlife is Where We Came From. The adornment of jewelry for Beng babies is a practice that the people concern themselves with because of their belief that the jewelry will serve both medicinal and aesthetic purposes. The belief that everything happens for a reason is shown through that example along with the situation of the death of Félice in the memoir Parallel Worlds. In the video clip entitled “Jewelry,” a Beng mother is seen creating jewelry for a 4 day old baby girl, demonstrating the importance the people place on keeping their babies alive. Infant mortality in the Beng is high, thus leading the Beng to be extremely conscious of babies’ health. While some jewelry is just used to assure the child that they are cared for, there is also the belief that the jewelry will counteract death in the baby. To relate the belief system of all things occurring for a reason, compare the jewelry custom to the death of a young Beng boy, Félice. As Alma recalled a past conversation about the child’s inability to walk, she remembered the Beng’s belief that Félice was cursed because his parents had not waited to have sex until he learned to walk. This type of thinking is an example of how the people in that culture had an explanation behind...

Words: 419 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Belief System

...THE BELIEF SYSTEMS JOCELYN CALISE HIS103: WORLD CIVILIZATIONS I INSTRUCTOR: THOMAS MONTEIL March 10, 2014 There are many different types of religions that are being practiced from back in the day and in the present time. These systems have affected many different societies where they are being practiced in and everyone that lives in them. These religions are practiced in many different ways. As the years went on many more religions were created and some people use these religions define who they really are. While many religions have emerged and flourished over the centuries, few have had the impact of both Judaism and Christianity. Judaism was founded by Abraham the father of the Hebrews. This religion originally came from the Hebrews. Judaism is believed to be monotheistic. Almost like all the other religions that have a bible in Judaism has a bible that they call the Torah. This bible is a recording of all the laws and important events that have happened during the Jewish history. “Torah seems to be a very this-worldly document, filled with human stories, laws, commandments, and not a word about God alone existing” (Green, Arthur 2010). The Jewish thought very highly of their god. They look at their god as their protector. Jewish people do not feel like they are Jewish without Judaism. “Judaism as religion might not be the entirety of Jewish identity, but it is difficult to imagine a vibrant Jewish identity completely severed from it” (Shapiro, 2014). Judaism has...

Words: 967 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Belief System

...Running head: Religious Belief System Religious Belief System University of Phoenix Religious Belief System Due to the diverse cultures around the world, people experience life differently and adopt assorted personal belief systems. The basis of these belief systems is personal experience and tradition as well as an outline regarding how an individual lives life. Tolerance is an element of life in any diverse area as every person lives life by following a personal set of beliefs and tolerance to other people’s beliefs. The basis of most major religions is ancestry because religion strictly adheres to tradition, so it is a big element in a traditional religious belief system. The catholic religion has many traditions set in ancient times still followed to this day, although Catholicism has its advantages; it also has its downsides. Parents implant an individual’s religious belief system a young age. A personal religious belief system’s foundation is the manner in which the parents raise an individual, and it should complement an individual’s personal moral ethics. Tolerance People need to respect and attempt to understand other people’s religions. People establish these beliefs throughout a lifetime. Just as people may strongly believe in personal beliefs; the public must be tolerant of other people’s individual beliefs. Great wars have stemmed from a diminished understanding of another culture’s religion. As diversity expands worldwide, people of different cultures...

Words: 1243 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

: Personal Belief System

...different ways to look at your personal belief system. This would all depend on the religion and culture. I look at it, as there are many beliefs that have to do with the worships of gods, reading sacred texts and attending religious ceremonies (Wikipedia, 2013). In my view of making ethical decisions, no one stands outside a social and cultural world. For example each of us judges human reality according to a set of adopted and adapted moral criteria based on such factors as business, education, (Wikipedia, 2013) and religious affiliation. As a member of the Catholic Church it is to inhabit a universe of meaning, as well as a religious community extended in time and space. I see my religion that is to be in a faith tradition to participate actively in a whole world of thought and action, of motive and image, of attraction. Catholicism is a multicultural society bound together by a professed faith and a common baptism as well as other sacraments, and an allegiance to Jesus Christ whom we as Catholic’s acknowledge as Lord (Wikipedia, 2006). I have not always followed the tradition or the authority of the Catholic religion I have committed sins that are not good in the Catholic religion eyes or in any religions eyes. I have had children before being married and living with my children father before getting married. I do believe that in the authority of the Lord I have received his forgiveness. The authority to the Catholic have the basic beliefs of The Bible that is inspired, error...

Words: 788 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Science as a Belief System

...To what extent are science and religion considered to be a variety belief system? A belief system is a framework of ideas that are shared by an individual, community or group. These ideas define our personal sense of "reality" and universe of meaning. It is believed that over two billion of the world’s population significantly rely on a religious belief system to help them understand the world, however belief systems are not only confined to this sphere. Political ideologies such as communism for example, have provided a ‘blueprint’ for how people should act in many countries such as the former USSR, China and Cuba. Moreover, science can also be considered a belief system because the practise of science has a clear set of guiding principles that should inform all experiments and many people today turn to science when seeking to understand their reality. Thus, at first glance the belief systems of science and religion appear to be polar opposites, indeed, many scientists such as Richard Dawkins vehemently claim that science is a vastly superior form of thinking. Dawkins contends science to be objective, rational, and factual - forever striving to improve our knowledge. For Dawkins and many others, a massive strength of this particular belief system is that it is open. Karl Popper’s thesis of falsification posits that science should never be accepted as 100% fact, instead theories should be constantly challenged and if these theories are disproved, they should then be replaced...

Words: 712 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Ethical Belief Systems

...A Systems Analysis of Plastic Debris in the Pacific Ocean Course: Integrated Environmental Systems Instructor: Steven Arnold Fall Quarter University of Denver By: Cletus Achibonga November 7, 2012 Table of content Title 1 Abstract 4 Introduction 5 1.1 Scope 5 1.2 Background 5 Animal and plant deaths 8 2.1 Birds 8 2.2 Mammals and other animals 10 2.3 Plants and plant food 11 Environmental impacts 12 3.1 Physical impacts 13 3.2 Chemical impacts 14 3.3 Biological impacts 14 3.4 Human impacts 15 3.5 Economic impacts 16 Societal Responds 17 Conclusion and Recommendation 20 References: 21 List of figures Figure 1: A pack of plastics at the shores of Kamilo Beach, Island of Hawaii 8 Figure 2: Bird corpse with ingested plastic 10 Figure 3: Seal entangled in fishing nets and lines 11 Figure 4: DPSIR model analysis of the pacific gyre 18 Abstract The pacific patch is the most devastating problem of our generation yet there is little public knowledge about the nature and severity of the situation. There is also little to no awareness as to the way we humans either intentionally or unintentionally contribute to the worsening situation in our water bodies. This study used the DPSIR model in analyzing the problem of the pacific gyre from a systems perspective. It focused on the impacts of the pacific gyre on the environment, plants, animals as well as the ecosystem...

Words: 3857 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Personal and Ethical Belief System

...Personal Ethical Belief System and Professional Ethics Cherissa Boyd BSHS - 332 University of Phoenix August 15, 2011 David Elkins Personal Ethical Belief System and Professional Ethics In the profession of human services, every professional will at some point, include his or her personal ethical standards into his or her work with clients. My personal ethics are a huge part of who I am today, and these beliefs affect every decision I make whether it is personal or professional. I believe a person’s life experiences are what shape his or her personal ethical belief system and professional ethics. A person’s morals determine what is right and what is wrong in his or her life. Everyone is responsible for his or her actions whether it is right with rewards, or wrong with consequences. Combined with these factors, worldviews also plays a huge role in the decision-making process. The framework for decisions is created from a person’s values, beliefs, morals, and personal experiences. According to Freeman, (2000, p. ix) Ethics is “the study of standards of conduct and moral judgment; moral philosophy.” Ethics is a part of philosophy and an application of what we believe is true about our reality. Every person has a right to his or her own beliefs about what is true or not. These “Codes of ethics are designed to guide practitioners, protect the welfare of clients, safeguard the autonomy of professional workers, and enhance the status of the profession” (Freeman, 2000, p. x)...

Words: 3466 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Apologetic Terms

...Apologia-Greek word “defense’ 2. Atheism-The lack of belief in a god and/or the belief that there is no god.  The position held by a person or persons that 'lack belief' in god(s) and/or deny that god(s) exist. 3. Circular argument- argument in which the conclusion of an argument is one of its premises; argument assuming something that would ordinarily not be assumed by someone who didn’t believe the conclusion 4. Coventalism- or Covenant theology; is an interpretive framework for understanding the overall flow of the Bible, focusing on the covenants God made. 5. Deduction-A system of logic, inference, and conclusion drawn from examination of 6. Dispensationalism-a method of interpreting the Bible that divides history into periods of time called “dispensations.” 7. Empiricism-The belief that real knowledge is only acquired through sense experience. 8. Epistemological Dualism-Knowledge consists of a mind that knows and ideas that are known. 9. Epistemology--The branch of philosophy that deals with knowing and the methods of obtaining knowledge. 10. Ethics-Study of right and wrong, good and bad, moral judgment, etc. 11. Evidential Apologetics-An apologetic approach emphasizing individual facts and arguments, including: archaeology, effects on society, historical evidences, miracles, prophecy, and the uniqueness of Christianity and/or Scripture. 12. Faith-Acceptance of ideals, beliefs, etc., which are not necessarily demonstrable through...

Words: 605 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Term

...Bioethics Reflection In my opinion, religion and beliefs are an important part of a person’s individuality. Beliefs can control how a person perceives what is moral and ethically right. Belief systems, whether they are Christian, Judaism, Buddhism, or others, can influence how an individual acts, speaks, and makes certain decisions. There is a line between religion and medicine and it is drawn mostly by today’s society. Today society has taken religion out of the schools, out of the government, and many other places. It is important to realize the significance of religion for individuals no matter where or what they do. This discussion focused on the overlap of religion and medicine and whether they should even overlap at all. In my opinion, if you are a Christian or of another religion, that will govern how you do things and how you perceive what are the right decisions to make. It is evident that each person thinks differently from others and I believe that this is due to certain beliefs that are a part of that individual. Doctors have extremely important roles in society. They have actual lives in their hands meaning they must do all things that are in their power to keep a person alive. Regardless of how a person believes, a doctor or other medical professional should use all the knowledge and information they have to best treat a patient in need of care. In this case study, I believe that the doctor was doing all that he could to give the best care to his patient...

Words: 692 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Zip Car

...Zip car believes in selling an urban lifestyle and promotingenvironmental consciousness by providing the car that you want in a very convenient and accessible way and at the same time sharing it with people who are environmentally conscious. Zip car offers cars to people that want to have the accessibility to a car whenever and wherever they need it at an affordable price i.e. people that prefer to share a car rather than actually having one due to various reasons Zip car “delivers wheels where you want them” 3 Positioning based on beliefs and values is stronger because when a company is able to build itself on beliefs and values people will share those same ideas, you are connecting with the minds of people and it can have a lot of positive effect rather than when you are concerned about the benefits experience. it allows a relationship to build and form with just as zipsters were able to experience. Establishing a strong belief and value system will allow the benefits to rise as well.   4The Company positioning and ease of access for consumers certainly sets it apart from other companies. A definite plus to Zipcar is their appeal to the green movement as the option to share cars drastically limits environmental impact. Therefore their future relies on their ability to emphasis benefits,and appeal to new emerging trends....

Words: 302 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Term

...the world and its components should go together. Although we may not all share the same worldviews, we do have the ability to express our own opinions and arguments on them. There is a minimum of “five clusters of beliefs” which include God, reality, knowledge, ethics and human nature. (Nash, 1999, p.14) Some worldviews may contain other beliefs, “these five define the most important differences among competing conceptual systems.” (Nash, 1999, p.14) First we look at a crucial part of any worldview. While the world holds many different religions the underlying question is there a God and only one God and is he a personal being? Within the different cultures of society cultures such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Shintoism all share their own difference of worldview and belief in God. While we share different views on the world we share a common belief in God, while the beliefs do vary, we share that common ground within any religion. Metaphysics (ultimate reality) covers the basis of God and the universe, is the universe eternal, did God create the world and what is the purpose of the universe/cosmos? These questions have all been asked by society and we answer them to the best of our ability. We do not all share the same answers, but we have a belief in how the universe was created. Epistemology (knowledge) is something that you learn or remember through experience. Without knowledge where would the world be today? Society has to have knowledge to achieve. Example...

Words: 787 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Phil 201 Study Guide 1

...Study Guide: Lesson 1 What is Philosophy? Lesson Overview Welcome to this introductory course in philosophy. For our first lesson, we are going to examine the question: What is philosophy? There are 4 ways you can get to know what a discipline is: define it, describe it, contrast and compare it with other disciplines, and finally experience it. In this first lesson, we will aim to accomplish the first 3 of these activities. The rest of the course will be an exercise in experiencing philosophy. Tasks View and take notes of the presentation, “Misconceptions about Philosophy”. Read and take notes from chapter 1 of Prelude to Philosophy: An Introduction for Christians, “What is Philosophy?” As you read, make sure you understand the following points and questions: • List 4 reasons students often presuppose a low view of philosophy. o They think you have to be super intelligent to do philosophy o Most students study it late in their academic development o Most people do not think philosophy is practical o They do not know what it is or how it can benefit them • Know Socrates’ quote: What is the unexamined life? What did he mean when he said it wasn’t worth living? o Socrates was saying that the unexamined life is when people go through the motions of life without making the effort to reflect and think about what life is about. When Socrates says the unexamined life is not worth living, he is saying that we are...

Words: 944 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Theory of Knowledge

...How do beliefs about the world and beliefs about what is valuable, influence the pursuit of knowledge A pursuit, by definition, requires a goal or answer to a question that the pursuer is attempting to reach. This end, towards which effort is directed, is based upon previous knowledge that says that it will be fruitful in some way. Any knowledge that is pursued is, logically, pursued for a reason. This reason must be that the knowledge could prove valuable in some way to the acquirer of the knowledge. What is believed to be valuable would thus greatly influence what knowledge is pursued. Since the beliefs about the world help define what is valuable, they too determine the type of knowledge that is searched for and acquired. This type of knowledge, that people think will be the most valuable to them, is the type of knowledge that is searched for and of course attained before the type of knowledge that is unexpected or thought unnecessary. To logically determine the extent to which the values and beliefs of humanity affect its pursuit of knowledge, all types of knowledge must be considered. Empirical knowledge significantly affects the further pursuit of knowledge; as the type of knowledge that is acquired through experiences, future pursuits of knowledge are frequently based on it. Rational knowledge is applicable because knowledge that is found through experimentation is looked for with a preconceived objective in mind. Metaphysical knowledge must be considered because beliefs...

Words: 1789 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Drew Hayden Taylor's Analysis

...Drew Hayden Taylor, an Ojibway writer, achieves the role of literature by challenging the common beliefs of society in his essays. He takes the role of defending First Nations from the common criticisms and assumptions of Canadian society, in an attempt to change people’s perspectives. This is the purpose of many of his essays, each having their own problem or question. These essays raise the problems and issues First Nations people face that society may be unfamiliar with. Throughout his essays, he uses multiple logical strategies in his writing to support his arguments. Many of his essays deal with the concept of stereotyping. Taylor argues against these stereotypes and issues directed at First Nations people by using allusions, factual evidence,...

Words: 1487 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Perspectives of Diversity Paper

...described as being a type of diversity that consists of people who often have goals about the importance, purpose, and function of work, as well as the relationship between the individual employee and the greater organization, and fundamental beliefs that are different. (Heuberger, 2004). Cultural diversity is based upon the concept that cultural identities should never be ignored nor discarded, though instead they should be valued and maintained (Heuberger, 2004). Cultural Diversity Cultural diversity is based on the idea that cultural identities should not be discarded or ignored, but rather maintained and valued (American Multicultural Publications, 2007). The workplace can be considered an environment where several different backgrounds join together for one common goal. Cultural diversity can consist of a difference in national origin, gender, race, and other human aspects. Cultural diversity is not based solely on culture and other human aspect, but as well as, generations, education, and personal background. In the author’s current place of employment, cultural diversity is extremely important. There are several different backgrounds of individuals in the foster care system and certain families request certain cultural backgrounds and personalities, in order for them to feel comfortable....

Words: 710 - Pages: 3