I would say, there is a thin line, but still a distinguishable line, between philosophy and belief. Friedrich Nietzsche is considered a great philosopher, and so is Buddha (though many often confuse his teachings with a religion). Philosophy, to me, is an exercise of the mind, thus it is ever changing and growing. Empedocles, a Pre-Socratic philosopher, once said something similar to: we humans believe only what we experience. So, according to our experiences, we form a philosophy, but as time progresses we may alter the beliefs completely depending on the other things felt, thought and acquired over time. We all know religion does not have that freedom.
Edited: SivanIlius on 13th Sep, 2006 - 2:48am