Philosophy (from Greek φιλοσοφία, philosophia,
literally "love of wisdom")[1][2][3][4] is the study of
general and fundamental
questions[5][6][7] about existence, knowledge, values,
reason, mind, and language. Such questions are
often posed as problems[8][9] to be studied or
resolved. The term was probably coined
by Pythagoras (c. 570 – 495 BCE). Philosophical
methods include questioning, critical
discussion, rational argument, and systematic
presentation.
philosophy
noun
phi·los·o·phy | \ fə-ˈlä-s(ə-)fē \
plural philosophies
Definition of philosophy
1a(1): all learning exclusive of
technical precepts and practical arts
(2): the sciences and liberal arts exclusive
of medicine, law, and theologya doctor
of philosophy
(3): the 4-year college course of a major seminary
b(1)archaic : PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2): ETHICS
c: a discipline comprising as its core logic,
aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology
2a: pursuit of wisdom
b: a search for a general understanding of values
and reality by chiefly speculative rather than
observational means
c: an analysis of the grounds of and concepts
expressing fundamental beliefs
3a: a system of philosophical concepts
b: a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of
activity or thoughtthe philosophy of war
4a: the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes
of an individual or group
b: calmness of temper and judgment befitting
a philosopher
philosophy
NOUN
 1mass noun The study of the fundamental nature of
knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when
considered as an academic discipline
1. 1.1count noun A particular system of philosophical
thought.
‘the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle’
2. 1.2 The study of the theoretical basis of a particular
branch of knowledge or experience.
‘the philosophy of science’
 2A theory or attitude that acts as a guiding principle
for behaviour.
‘don't expect anything and you won't be
disappointed, that's my philosophy’
Main branches of philosophy
Traditionally, there are five main branches of
philosophy. They are:
 Metaphysics, which deals with the
fundamental questions of reality.
 Epistemology, which deals with our concept
of knowledge, how we learn and what we
can know.
 Logic, which studies the rules of valid
reasoning and argumentation
 Ethics, or moral philosophy, which is
concerned with human values and how
individuals should act.
 Aesthetics or esthetics, which deals with the
notion of beauty and the philosophy of art.