World Religions and Philosophies Overview

Fifty vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, figures, and concepts across Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Greek philosophy, Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam for exam review.

Zoroastrianism

Ancient Persian religion founded about 4,000 years ago that stresses cosmic struggle between good and evil and human free will.

Zarathustra (Zoroaster)

Persian prophet who established Zoroastrianism through teaching and preaching.

Duality of Good and Evil

Zoroastrian doctrine that good is stronger than evil but cannot completely eradicate it; humans must choose sides.

Fire Temple

Zoroastrian place of worship where a sacred flame symbolizes purity and truth.

Resurrection (Zoroastrian)

Belief that the dead will rise for final judgment leading to heaven or hell.

Abraham

Patriarch considered founder of Judaism and model of unwavering monotheistic faith.

Torah

First five books of the Hebrew Bible; central sacred text guiding Jewish life and law.

Ten Commandments

Set of ethical laws revealed to Moses forming Judaism’s moral foundation.

Covenant

Sacred agreement in Judaism: if the people obey God’s laws, God will protect them.

Prophet (Judaism)

Divinely inspired teacher sent to correct wrongs and guide Israel back to God.

Jesus of Nazareth

Jewish preacher whose life, teachings, death, and resurrection form the basis of Christianity.

Resurrection (Christianity)

Belief that Jesus rose from the dead, guaranteeing salvation to believers.

Apostle Peter

Disciple who established the early Christian Church in Rome.

Apostle Paul

Missionary whose letters teach salvation by faith and compose much of the New Testament.

Edict of Milan

313 CE decree by Emperor Constantine legalizing Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Theodosius I

Roman emperor who declared Christianity the official state religion in 380 CE.

Socratic Method

Teaching technique of questioning to stimulate critical thinking, developed by Socrates.

Plato's Academy

Philosophical school founded by Plato in Athens to explore ideal forms and justice.

Aristotle

Greek philosopher who systematized logic, studied governments, and tutored Alexander the Great.

Sophists

Traveling Greek teachers who emphasized rhetoric and argued that truth is relative.

Hellenism

Blend of Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and Indian cultures spread by Alexander the Great.

Confucianism

Chinese ethical philosophy valuing moral example, education, and social harmony.

Filial Piety

Confucian virtue of respect and obedience toward parents and elders.

Dao (The Way)

Taoist concept of the natural, effortless course of the universe guiding all things.

Wu Wei

Taoist principle of “non-action,” acting in harmony with nature without force.

Legalism

Chinese philosophy advocating strict laws and authoritarian control to manage inherently selfish humans.

Han Feizi

Influential Legalist thinker whose writings shaped Qin Dynasty policies.

Brahman

Ultimate, formless divine reality in Hinduism underlying and uniting all existence.

Moksha

Liberation of the soul from rebirth and union with Brahman; Hinduism’s ultimate goal.

Samsara

Endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Karma

Moral law of cause and effect determining future rebirths based on actions.

Dharma

Righteous duty or moral order governing individual conduct in Hinduism.

Caste System

Hierarchical social structure in India reinforced by beliefs in karma and reincarnation.

Sati

Outlawed Hindu custom of a widow immolating herself on her husband’s funeral pyre.

Siddhartha Gautama

Indian prince who attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.

Four Noble Truths

Buddhist teachings that diagnose suffering and prescribe its cessation.

Noble Eightfold Path

Buddhist path of right understanding, conduct, and meditation leading to nirvana.

Nirvana

Buddhist state of liberation from desire, ego, and the cycle of rebirth.

Theravada

Oldest branch of Buddhism portraying Buddha as teacher and emphasizing monastic life.

Mahayana

Buddhist branch that views Buddha as savior and offers salvation to all beings.

Vajrayana

Tibetan form of Buddhism using ritual and meditation to attain enlightenment quickly.

Jainism

Indian religion of extreme non-violence, self-denial, and rejection of caste and creator gods.

Five Pillars of Islam

Core Muslim duties: Shahada, prayer, fasting in Ramadan, almsgiving, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Qur'an

Holy book of Islam containing revelations given to Muhammad.

Hijrah

622 CE migration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, marking start of Islamic calendar.

Sunni

Largest Muslim branch accepting the first caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad.

Shia

Muslim branch holding leadership should remain within Muhammad’s family, beginning with Ali.

Ulama

Community of Islamic scholars who interpret theology and sharia law.

Hadith

Collections of Muhammad’s sayings and actions used as a source of Islamic law.

Shahada

Islamic declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.”