Difference between "look at" and "look to"

Hi Solara. Welcome to English Forums.

solaraThey have taught us that we cannot look at the sick without looking at what is causing the sickness

It sounds quite right to me. "To look" collocates with "at". It means it often goes with that and it's considered normal in terms of language. I advise you check dictionary. For example:

I use both the phrases look at and look to. Both phrases mean to direct one's sight toward, but I reserve look to to suggest that I am seeking something by looking, such as information or someone's approval. For example, if I look at a crossing guard, I might just be staring at her or his brightly colored vest, because I'm bored and just want to people-watch. But if I

Consider these:
She looks good! = She posseses attractive appearance.
He is looking at her = his attention is focused on her
He is looking to buy rent a house next the subway station. = Looking to - means planning, intent, or a desire to do something.

solaraWe looked to the early church and to the Scriptures and to the poor to find it.

You look to someone or something for guidance or advice or to have a model for how to proceed.

solaraThey have taught us that we cannot look at the sick without looking at what is causing the sickness

You look at someone or s

"Look to" means to "rely upon" - an athiest might say: "Do not look to an unseen ***, believe in yourself and your abilities!"

"Look at" means both to look at an object with one's eyes, as well as to examine an idea or proposal further: "Let's look at the details more closely, before we commit to such an expensive plan."

That 3rd example has nothing to do with this topic. In this case, it is "look + infinitive", while the question pertains to "look + preposition". Another poster got it right - "look to + noun" means to rely on that noun-thing.

They have taught us that we cannot look at the sick without looking at what is causing the sickness I would cahnge this phrase to -> They had taught us that we can't look at the sick without looking at the cause of the sickness. That makes more sense.

In the song "I Don't Know', from Ozzy Osbourne, he sings " people look to me say is the end near?" So they are looking for some response