Philosophy of Humanity

Philosophy of Religion

Religion and Pragmatism

In the latter half of the 19th century, a philosophical movement emerged in the United States that played a significant role in modern philosophy. This movement, known as pragmatism, derives its name from the Greek word "πρᾶγμα" (pragma, action). Its founders were Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914), William James (1842-1910), and John Dewey (1859-1952). Pragmatists asserted that the criterion for the truth of any theory is its practical effect. If a theory is beneficial to human life and aids in living, then it is considered true. Pragmatism impacted almost every area of philosophical thought, including epistemology, philosophy of science, and moral philosophy.

Pragmatism also had a profound influence on the philosophy of religion. The creators of pragmatism devoted significant attention to religious issues in their works. They were believers who argued that religion is an essential aspect of human life due to its usefulness to humanity. In these considerations, pragmatists had numerous predecessors among early modern philosophers. Many of these philosophers believed that religion was necessary for humanity to build civilization. The French Enlightenment thinker François-Marie Arouet Voltaire famously stated, "If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him," while the founder of sociology, Auguste Comte, claimed that religion is the foundation of morality.

Pragmatism gave rise to a new approach in religious studies, where scholars began examining the usefulness of religion. They explored the connections between religion and various aspects of human life, yielding significant results. Pragmatists worked in the fields of philosophy of religion, sociology of religion, and psychology of religion, seeking to understand how religion impacts people's lives. They demonstrated the utility of religion in numerous areas of human existence. Statistical data and sociological surveys indicate that religious individuals build stronger families compared to non-believers and are more likely to feel happy within their families. Children from religious families tend to grow up psychologically and emotionally stronger. Believers often experience greater happiness and are less prone to mental disorders. They are better socialized and more open to social interactions. Believers are more dedicated to their responsibilities and carry them out with greater commitment than non-believers. They are also less inclined to commit crimes. Such studies provide grounds for considering religion beneficial for individuals. Believing individuals find it easier to adapt to society and build their happiness. The empirical basis for these studies includes results from sociological surveys, psychological tests, crime statistics, divorce rates, interactions with children from different families, and suicide statistics. Pragmatists do not aim to determine the truth of a particular assertion but rather to trace its consequences in human life. Essentially, they have translated Pascal's Wager into earthly life, concluding that it is more beneficial for a person to be a believer than a non-believer.