Quick Answer
Perennial philosophy is the view that religions express a shared ultimate wisdom through culturally different symbols, practices, and doctrines.
Key Takeaways
- ✦It seeks unity amid diversity.
- ✦It often privileges mystical experience.
- ✦Critics say it smooths over real differences.
Question
Do all religions teach the same thing?
Quick Answer
Perennialists see a shared depth; critics point to incompatible claims about self, God, salvation, and reality.
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Sources
- 01MysticismBy Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyConsult source
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Reviewed by ZHAIBIAN AI Editorial Review · 2026-08-23