This article briefly but comprehensively describes the theory of moral relativism, its origin, importance, and critique on it. What is Moral Relativism? The theory of Moral relativism says the moral judgments as being right or wrong are contextual. They stand true or false only relative to some particular standpoint, e.g. culture, religion, a historical period,…
This article defines and describes the concept of a social institution, its essential characteristics, and its role in society. What does the term ‘social institution’ refer to? The term ‘social institution’ refers to an interconnected system of social norms and roles revolving around the achievement of some basic social needs in society. To put…
This article presents a brief but comprehensive description of the four cardinal virtues as part of Aristotle’s philosophy of Morality. What is Aristotle’s moral theory? The moral theory of Aristotle is actually the theory of virtue ethics. Aristotle argues a good person is one who possesses virtues. It is not important to see the way…
This article defines and discusses the concept of religion, polytheism, monotheism, and theology. Theology The term ‘theology’ literally refers to ‘thinking about God’. One of the classic definitions of the term theology is “faith seeking understanding”. As an academic discipline, theology refers to a field of systematic study of the divine and different religious beliefs. Religion…
This entry gives a brief but comprehensive description of Sir Edward Burnett Tylor’s views on religion and science as part of ethics, an academic discipline taught at the intermediate level. Useful for both students and general readers interested in moral philosophy. Who was Sir Edward Burnett Tylor? Sir Edward Tylor was born on October 2,…
This article gives a brief but comprehensive description of the views of an eminent German scholar, theologian, and philosopher, Rudolf Otto (1869–1937) on religion. Who was Rudolf Otto (1869–1937)? Rudolf Otto (1869–1937) is one of the most influential scholars on religion of the early twentieth century. His concept of numinous about religion gave him fame…
This article describes the areas of difference between scientific and religious approaches. Characteristics of Science The distinguishing characteristics of scientific knowledge vis a vis religious views are as follows: 1. Empirical data The term ‘science’ refers to systematic knowledge dealing with empirical data. Scientific knowledge develops through observation and measurement. People thinking and working on…
This article gives a brief but comprehensive description the views of Scottish anthropologist, James George Frazer (1854-1941) on religion and science. As an important topic of discussion in Moral philosophy, his views are part of academic discipline, Ethics which I teach at college level. Who was James George Frazer? James George Frazer (1854-1941) was…
This article describes the architectural heritage of Hyderabad city in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Important landmarks of Hyderabad city Some of the important landmarks of the architectural heritage of Hyderabad city include Pacco Qillo, tombs of Talpur Mirs, Rani Bagh, Sindh Museum, and Hyderabad Cantonment. 1. Pacco Qila Pacco Qila is a historical fort…
This article describes the Indo-Saracenic architecture in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Indo-Saracenic architecture refers to the type of architecture the British patronized during their rule on the Indian subcontinent from 1857 to 1947. Introduction Like that of the Greek and Tuko-Afghan empires, the establishment of the British Raj also gave birth to a fusion…