Historical Period School of thought Main features Belief Notable Philosopher

Judaism (2000 Bce) Judaism Judaism, monotheistic religion developed

among the ancient Hebrews. Judaism is
characterized by a belief in one transcendent
God who revealed himself to Abraham, Moses,
and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life
in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic
traditions. Judaism is the complex phenomenon
of a total way of life for the Jewish people,
comprising theology, law, and innumerable
cultural traditions.
According to the Biblical narrative of Genesis, the
first Jew was Abraham, commanded by God to
leave his native Mesopotamia for the land of
Canaan. As the founding fathers of the nomadic
Hebrew tribes, Abraham, his son Isaac and
grandson Jacob became known to Jewish
tradition as the Patriarchs. Their wivesSarah,
Rebecca, Leah, and Rachelare the Matriarchs.
This formative period ended when Jacob,
renamed Israel, followed his son Joseph to Egypt
during a period of famine in Canaan.

Hinduism (1500 Bce) Buddhism Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include (but Patajali,
are not restricted to) Dharma (ethics/duties), Rmnuja,
Samsra (the continuing cycle of birth, life, akara
death and rebirth), Karma (action, intent and
consequences), Moksha (liberation from
samsara or liberation in this life), and the various
Yogas (paths or practices)
Shinto(600 Bce) Shintoism Many followers of Shinto look at natural objects Mabuchi
such as trees and rocks as symbols of divine Motoori Norinaga
spirits. Because of this, they must treat nature Hirata Atsutane
with respect so they don't accidentally
disrespect the Kami or their ancestors. This will
help to preserve the environment.
Since Shinto followers respect the environment,
so they don't disrespect the kami, many of them
ration their food and try to keep their
surrounding areas very clean.