Philosophy is a way of thinking, an approach to life. Religion is also a way of thinking, and it is an approach to life; however, religion does not encourage one to ask questions or doubt the truths that are presented by itself, for these truths are divinely inspired. Philosophy does encourage one to doubt the truths that seem evident, such as Descartes and his extreme doubt. Religions usually have rituals that are associated with them. Philosophy is not ritualistic. The differences between philosophy and mythology are that mythology is religion presented with characters and story lines that might put forth certain philosophies. The underlying theme of mythology is religious, with philosophical overtones.

The fundamental differences between philosophy and that of religion or mythology is that philosophy encourages exploration and the questioning of knowledge; whereas both religion and mythology put forth divine sources that should not be questioned or examined for their truths. Questioning the source of truths, or whether a religion is true is the biggest transgression one can make. For instance, in Christianity, a philosophical examination of the truth of Jesus’ existence would be considered sacrilegious. Whereas, in philosophy, one is supposed to examine the sources of truth. Hence, Socrates’ “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Religions are supposed to be accepted at face value, understood and abided by. Philosophy is not to be taken at face value, it is to be misunderstood, and it is only abided by because the individual has an internal impulse to follow a particular philosophy.

Religions and mythologies have icons; philosophy has iconic thinkers, but there are not any literal icons that one worships. There is not the element of worship and subservience in philosophy. If anything, man is more divine in philosophy because his thoughts are powerful; whereas in religion and mythology, man is not divine.