Talk:Scientology (disambiguation)

See Naming Conventions for help here. I think "Scientology" should be one main article about both social and theoretical aspects of Scientology. There could then be more in-depth articles about Scientology the movement and Scientological thought.

"The philosophy" seems like a nonstarter. It is biased to describe it as philosophy; I wouldn't. What's a word that philosophers and scientologists might agree upon? How about "theory"?

Removing Philosophy workgroup, since philosophers know little about scientology, and don't study (or, frankly, care much about) it. Removed "to approve" categories (those were misused: the article obviously isn't up for approval). --Larry Sanger 11:46, 1 May 2007 (CDT)

Thank you, I'll read more about the use of "to approve", sorry to have misused it. Terry E. Olsen 17:27, 1 May 2007 (CDT)

I wanted to make an article about the basic most idea that motivated Hubbard to write millions of words and dedicate his life to something. About the foundational idea that motivated him, that the Church of Scientology has grown prosperous on. That germ of a foundation, that idea, that thread, running through Dianetics and all that followed. "philosophy" seemed like a reasonable catagory. Certainly there is some central idea that has resulted in millions of words, and millions of dollars worth of property. Terry E. Olsen 18:04, 1 May 2007 (CDT)

Scientology, (philosophy) or (theory) or (something)

Should Scientology (theory) be titled "Scientology (philosophy)" or "something else". The literature itself, created by Hubbard, would exist with or without the Church. It has a common thread running through it. Its not simply a single book, but a lot of books, millions of words of books and lectures. I tried to spell out the central-most idea, the common thread from Hubbard's Dianetics which later defined Scientology and is used as an operational foundation by the Church and disseminated by the Church.

A google search of "the philosophy of scientology" (phrase in quotes for the search) gives 6500 hits [1] News identifies scientology as a philosophy: "The Rev. John Carmichael is bringing the philosophy of Scientology .." from [2] Item #5

"the aims of the philosophy of Scientology" from [3] 30 Apr 2007, 3rd paragraph:

• Critics say it is a philosophy:

"To dismiss the philosophy of Scientology as a complete fraud is dangerous" from [4] (near bottom, under "What can we do about it?"

• Splinter groups identify it as a philosophy:PDF format

• Medical articles call it a philosophy: "the Philosophy of Scientology"[5] (lower 1/10 of the article)

Some degreed scholars and learned university experts were asked their opinion about the religion that disseminates the theory / philosophy. [6] One of those, Mr. Fumio Sawada, Eighth Holder of the secrets of Yuitsu Shinto publishes The relationship between Scientology and other religions; [7], comparing it to Buddhism as instigated by Guatama Siddhartha Buddha and spells out how knowledge plays a central role in it.

L. Ron Hubbard called it a philosophy, the Church disseminates it as a philosophy, it is presented in Isreal as a philosophy and not as a religion. Granted, it is a new philosophy, it has not been written about by philosophers. But according to Google, the body of literature is widely known as "the philosophy of scientology'. Terry E. Olsen 17:27, 1 May 2007 (CDT)

You're missing the point, Terry. I am saying that most actual philosophers would not recognize Scientology as a philosophy. Hence, to title the article in a way to assert that it is a philosophy is tendentious. If a more neutral term can be found, a more neutral term should be used. "Theory," "tenets," "belief system," etc., would all do. --Larry Sanger 21:44, 1 May 2007 (CDT)

Okay, I understand. "Philosophy" simply doesn't apply because of disinterest. Alternatively, maybe definition: "2. any of the three branches, namely natural philosophy, moral philosophy, and metaphysical philosophy, that are accepted as composing this study." would apply in this context from Random House unabridged 2006. But Mr. Hubbard's statement of his philosophy - my philosophy that names his philosophy "Scientology" should not be construed to be a statement within the discipline, "philosophy". Even though the same unabridged dictionary has:

• "1. the rational investigation of the truths and principles of knowledge."
• "3. a system of philosophical doctrine: the philosophy of Spinoza."
• "5. a system of principles for guidance in practical affairs."
  Yes, I do understand, Scientology is not a philosophy. Thank you. I simply don't know what else to call the 40 million words that make it up. We ran into this barrier at Wikipedia and finally resolved to "body of knowledge". Terry E. Olsen 22:46, 1 May 2007 (CDT)

Scientology (Doctrine) - would be appropriate

Scientology (Doctrine) would be appropriate. [8] That official Church site states; "This Scientology Scripture is the sole source of all doctrine regarding the religion of Scientology". Thanks for making it clear why "philosophy" is inappropriate :) -Terry E. Olsen 07:04, 2 May 2007 (CDT)

That's perfectly acceptable. --Larry Sanger 23:21, 2 May 2007 (CDT)