What does philosophy mean?
Philosophy is the disciplined study of fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, existence, moral values, and the principles by which people live. In academic use, it can refer to the discipline as a whole or to a particular tradition, such as ancient Greek philosophy, analytic philosophy, or political philosophy. It may also mean an individual's guiding outlook on life. Philosophy is closely associated with arguments about concepts that may not be directly observable, including justice, knowledge, free will, and the nature of reality. Its methods include conceptual analysis, logic, reasoning, and reflection on fundamental assumptions. Although the subject is often perceived as abstract, philosophical inquiry has practical consequences for medicine, law, politics, science, and everyday ethical decisions. The term comes from ancient Greek philosophia, a combination of philos, meaning “love,” and sophia, meaning “wisdom.”
nounThe branch of knowledge concerned with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, reality, morality, and human values. The word can also refer to a particular system of philosophical thought or a personal approach to life.
- The academic discipline that studies fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, existence, ethics, and values.
- A particular system, tradition, or school of philosophical thought.
- A personal outlook or set of principles that guides one's approach to life.
"Her philosophy emphasized the importance of reason, compassion, and intellectual independence."
"She studied philosophy at university and wrote her dissertation on the ethics of artificial intelligence."
"His practical philosophy was shaped by years of travel, hardship, and careful observation."
Used when referring to different bodies of thought, systems, or personal outlooks.
"The book compares the philosophies of Aristotle and Kant."
The Greek roots of philosophy literally mean “love of wisdom”: philos means “love,” and sophia means “wisdom.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does philosophy come from?
Philosophy comes from ancient Greek philosophia, meaning “love of wisdom.” It was formed from philos, “love,” and sophia, “wisdom,” and was associated especially with Socrates and his followers. The word entered English through Latin philosophia, and its modern senses developed through both academic philosophy and the expression “philosophy of life.” Cognate derivatives include philosopher, philosophic, and philosophize.
Related word forms
How philosophy is actually used
The word is primarily formal and intellectual. When it means a personal outlook, it can sound reflective and somewhat abstract; informal expressions such as “street philosophy” are much less formal.