Philosophy vs. Ideology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Philosophy vs. Ideology - Essay Example While these modes of thinking share similar aspects, upon deeper inspection it’s clear that they differ on meaningful and profound levels. With reference to specific examples, this essay examines the difference between philosophy and ideology.   In further articulating this distinction it’s been noted that â€Å"Ideology refers to a set of beliefs, doctrines that back a certain social institution or a particular organization. Philosophy refers to looking at life in a pragmatic manner and attempting to understand why life is as it is and the principles governing behind it† (â€Å"Difference Between†). This distinction indicates that at the fundamental levels, ideology is concerned with advancing a notion of understanding that is linked to a social institution, while philosophy concerns the deep underlining aspects of existence. One example of this distinction can be witnessed in American notions of democracy. In the above context democracy would be unders tood as a Western ideology; conversely, the principle that democracy is an intrinsic value right of human existence would be a philosophical assumption.   While there is the above broad ranging distinction between philosophy and ideology, there is also an understanding that ideology oftentimes carries a sinister element, while philosophy is virtuous. In these regards, it’s noted that â€Å"At issue is an understanding of ideology as a source of manipulation† (â€Å"Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy†).