Buddhism: Philosophy or Religion? - Sociology Essay - University Name

This essay examines the nature of Buddhism, debating whether it should be classified as a philosophy or a religion. It highlights the core tenets of Buddhism, including the importance of self-development, the Middle Way, and the Eightfold Path. The essay references key scholarly works and underscores the significance of moral virtue, wisdom, and meditation in the Buddhist way of life. It also emphasizes the role of right livelihood and right action. The essay concludes by arguing that Buddhism is best understood as a philosophy rather than a religion. The author's analysis draws upon the works of Hung et al. and Siderits to support the arguments presented.

Running Head: SOCIOLOGY
SOCIOLOGY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Authors Note

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SOCIOLOGY
Buddhism is religion that has many followers across the world and the south-east
Asian countries have the majority of the followers. Religion is generally attributed by the fact
that it should have a deity or more than one deities (as in monotheism or polytheism) which is
worshipped by its followers but in case of Buddhism, although Lord Buddha is seen as a
founder who is worshipped like a deity but more importantly, it has to be noted although
Buddhism is considered as a religion but it Buddhism is more of a philosophy or rather a way
of life (Hung et al.). According to Buddhism, self-development through the way of sacrifice
and inner spiritual development should be highest and most important undertakings of life as
a human being. The Middle Way teaching of Buddhism is based on a middle path moderate
philosophy between the extremes of asceticism and sensual hedonism. Pain is an integral
aspect of life and only by ending the craving, attachment and desire – the pain can be ended
and hence, Buddhism can be seen more as a way of understanding the deepest meaning of life
and the ‘Eight fold path’ provides the guide to live a spiritually awakened life, in the
righteous path. The Buddhism as a philosophy highlights the importance of developing moral
virtue, wisdom and insight plus meditation in the living of fulfilled and a moral correct life.
Right livelihood and right action are the most vital spiritual paths of life (Siderits).
Hence, weighting both the sides of the facts, Buddhism should be considered more as
a philosophy than as a religion.

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SOCIOLOGY
References
Hung, Ven Sik Hin, and I. D. Turnitin. "Buddhism: Philosophy or Religion?." (2016).
Siderits, Mark. Buddhism as philosophy: an introduction. Routledge, 2017.