Difference between philosophy And Ideology

Philosopy vs Ideology

The are very fundamental differences between philosophy and ideology. Ideology refers to a set of
beliefs, doctrines that back a certain social institution or a particular organization. Philosopy 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.

Ideology expresses dissatisfaction with the current state and aspires to be some future state whereas
philosophy tries to understand the world in its current state. In other words, ideology is aimed at
changing the world whereas philosophy is aimed at seeking the truth.

Ideology is rigid and once fixed on certain beliefs, refuses to change its stance irrespective of any
change in the surrounding evironment. Challenging an ideologue can be the most difficult taks. A
philosopher, on the other hand, may arrive on some construct for the basis of life and other things
but will be willing to discuss and ponder other philosophies. A philosopher is open minded and willing
to listen to criticism whereas an ideologue will refute anything challinging his or her ideology outright.
This also suggests that while philosophy encourages people to think, ideology discouranges any
thinking that goes against the basic doctrines that govern the ideology.

The above definitions and differences clearly indicate that philosophy and ideology, if measured on a
scale, would occupy two extreme ends of the scale. The purpose of any philosopher is to seek
knowledge for the sake of wisdom and truth whereas an ideologues sole aim is to advocate and
enforce his or her ideology wherever he can.

Philosophy is objective whereas an ideologue will always impose his or her ideologys vision and
discard anything against it. Philosophy requires structured thiking whereas ideology has lot of
personal emotions in play.

Philosophy is neither harmful nor helpful as there is no advocacy behind it. On the other hand, an
ideology can bring both harm and good to the society. This is because the set of doctrines that govren
the ideology may alway not serve universal intests and ideology demands advocacy and conversion of
other beliefs and thoughts to that particular ideology in order to reingn supreme. However, every
ideology is born out of some philosophy.

In conclusion, here is summary of differences between philosophy and ideology.