philosophy

[ fi-los-uh-fee ]

noun

, plural phi·los·o·phies.

1. the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.
2. any of the three branches, namely natural philosophy, moral philosophy, and metaphysical philosophy, that are accepted as composing this study.
3. a particular system of thought based on such study or investigation:

   the philosophy of Spinoza.

4. the critical study of the basic principles and concepts of a particular branch of knowledge, especially with a view to improving or reconstituting them:

   the philosophy of science.

5. a system of principles for guidance in practical affairs.
6. an attitude of rationality, patience, composure, and calm in the presence of troubles or annoyances.

philosophy

/ fɪˈlɒsəfɪ /

noun

1. the academic discipline concerned with making explicit the nature and significance of ordinary and scientific beliefs and investigating the intelligibility of concepts by means of rational argument concerning their presuppositions, implications, and interrelationships; in particular, the rational investigation of the nature and structure of reality (metaphysics), the resources and limits of knowledge (epistemology), the principles and import of moral judgment (ethics), and the relationship between language and reality (semantics)
2. the particular doctrines relating to these issues of some specific individual or school

   the philosophy of Descartes

3. the critical study of the basic principles and concepts of a discipline

   the philosophy of law

4. archaic.
   the investigation of natural phenomena, esp alchemy, astrology, and astronomy
5. any system of belief, values, or tenets
6. a personal outlook or viewpoint
7. serenity of temper

philosophy

1. A study that attempts to discover the fundamental principles of the sciences, the arts, and the world that the sciences and arts deal with; the word philosophy is from the Greek for “love of wisdom.” Philosophy has many branches that explore principles of specific areas, such as knowledge ( epistemology ), reasoning ( logic ), being in general ( metaphysics ), beauty ( aesthetics ), and human conduct ( ethics ). Different approaches to philosophy are also called philosophies. ( See also epicureanism , existentialism , idealism , materialism , nihilism , pragmatism , stoicism , and utilitarianism .)

Other Words From

• anti·phi·loso·phy adjective noun plural antiphilosophies
• nonphi·loso·phy noun plural nonphilosophies

Word History and Origins

Origin of philosophy¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English philosophie, from Latin philosophia, from Greek philosophía; philo-, -sophy

Word History and Origins

Origin of philosophy¹

C13: from Old French filosofie, from Latin philosophia, from Greek, from philosophos lover of wisdom

Example Sentences

Dr Aja Murray, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, who led the study, said: "Emotion regulation skills are acquired from early in life and are thought to strengthen gradually over childhood. Children, however, acquire these skills at different rates and slower acquisition may serve as a marker for neurodevelopmental and mental health issues. Our findings suggest that monitoring trajectories of emotion regulation over development could help identity which children are at risk of mental health issues."

From Science Daily

“We have the same type of vision and philosophy,” Hortiz said.

From Los Angeles Times

Reeves studied philosophy, politics and economics Oxford University and did a master's degree in economics at the London School of Economics.

From BBC

He mentored the young Donald Trump in the ways of the world of business and politics and Trump took to his cutthroat philosophy very naturally.

From Salon

Here’s hoping that under Larsson’s eye, her converted-goods philosophy will take hold of the industry at large.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attitude
• doctrine
• idea
• ideology
• logic
• outlook
• reasoning
• system
• tenet
• theory
• thinking
• thought
• truth
• view
• viewpoint
• wisdom