But legal experts say that in trying to paper over deep philosophical divisions on the issue of racial preferences, the lawmakers further clouded many issues.

It is unclear, though, whether the two men can overcome serious personal and philosophical divisions.

Although the demand for child care legislation was strong in the last Congress, attempts to fashion a consensus were undermined by some deep philosophical divisions.

And last week philosophical divisions among the commission's 12 members forced it to abandon its Dec. 21 deadline for a budget proposal.

Ahead lies a far more difficult policy agenda that touches on profound philosophical divisions - and Medicare is at the top of the list.

The philosophical divisions between the two parties are acutely apparent when the debate turns to issues like the role of government and health care.

In fact, rarely have the ideological and philosophical divisions among House Democrats been more apparent.

The debate highlights one of those fundamental philosophical divisions that have so often blocked agreement on health policy.

This is what nevertheless seems to me to be a goal to achieve over and above any religious, ideological and philosophical divisions.

Despite deep philosophical divisions, each side has made concessions.