1. Define philosophy.

The term philosophy is taken from the Greek word, (philos) meaning "to love" or "to
befriend" and , (sophie) meaning "wisdom." Thus, "philosophy" means "the love of wisdom".
Socrates, a Greek philosopher, used the term philosophy as an equivalent to the search for
wisdom. (https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Introduction_to_Philosophy/Origins_of_Philosophy)
Philosophy is an activity people undertake when they seek to understand fundamental
truths about themselves, the world in which they live, and their relationships to the world and
to each other. It is an academic discipline that exercises reason and logic in an attempt to
understand reality and answer fundamental questions about knowledge, life, morality and
human nature. (http://philosophy.fsu.edu/content/view/full/36588)
2. Branches or Divisions of Philosophy.
Metaphysics. It is the study of the nature of reality, of what exists in the world, what it is
like, and how it is ordered. The term metaphysics itself literally means beyond the
physical. The metaphysical issues most discussed are the existence of God, the soul, and
the afterlife.
Epistemology. It is the study of knowledge and how it is acquired. It is primarily
concerned with what we can know about the world and how we can know it. Within
epistemology, there are two important categoriesrationalism and empiricism. Rationalism
stresses reason as the most important element in knowing. Rationalism holds that
knowledge is gained primarily through the mind. Empiricism, on the other hand, asserts that
all our knowledge comes from our five senses. Thus, knowledge comes from our
experiences.
Logic. It is the study of right reasoning. It is the tool used to study the nature and
structure of arguments. It can help in how to develop valid arguments, including
mathematical logic.
Ethics. It is the study of right and wrong and how people should live. It deals with what
is the proper course of action for man. At a more fundamental level, it is the method by
which we categorize our values and pursue them. Ethics explores the nature of justice and
of a just society, and also one's obligations to oneself, to others, and to society.
Aesthetics. It is concerned with the nature and appreciation of art, beauty, and artistic
perception. It has also been defined as "critical reflection on art, culture and nature" because
it studies our thoughts, feelings, and attitudes when we see, hear, or read something
beautiful.
(http://theologicalstudies.org/resource-library/philosophy-dictionary/85-5-branches-of-philosophy)

3. Purpose of Studying Philosophy.

By studying philosophy, people can clarify what they believe, and they can be stimulated
to think about ultimate questions. Philosophy is a study that seeks to understand the
mysteries of existence and reality. Philosophy arises out of wonder, curiosity, and the desire
to know and understand. It will lead us to the depths of our existence and determine our
relationship with truth. With it, we may have clarity about our position in the world. It intends
to provide understanding and act as a book of reference for aspects of existence. Studying
philosophy helps us as individuals, as well as refining our individual capacity for sense of
understanding.