philosophy Definition

philosophy
noun philosophies

1. The search for truth and knowledge concerning the universe, human existence, perception and behaviour, pursued by means of reflection, reasoning and argument.
2. Any particular system or set of beliefs established as a result of this.

Thesaurus: theory, doctrine, tenets, ideology, metaphysics, epistemology, theory of knowledge, logic, wisdom, reasoning.
3. A set of principles that serves as a basis for making judgements and decisions.

Example: one's philosophy of life
Thesaurus: beliefs, values, convictions, opinion, outlook, thinking, attitude, world-view, Weltanschauung, gestalt.

Derivative: moral philosophy

See separate entries.

Etymology: 14c: from Greek philosophia love of wisdom, from philo- loving + sophia wisdom.