[fi-los-uh-fee] 
| 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 system of philosophical doctrine: the philosophy of Spinoza. |
| 4. | the critical study of the basic principles and concepts of a particular branch of knowledge, esp. with a view to improving or reconstituting them: the philosophy of science. |
| 5. | a system of principles for guidance in practical affairs. |
| 6. | a philosophical attitude, as one of composure and calm in the presence of troubles or annoyances. |
| phi·los·o·phy (fĭ-lŏs'ə-fē) n. pl. phi·los·o·phies
[Middle English philosophie, from Old French, from Latin philosophia, from Greek philosophiā, from philosophos, lover of wisdom, philosopher; see philosopher.] |
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.)
Nec quicquam aliud est philosophia, si interpretari velis, praeter studium sapientiae; sapientia autem est rerum divinarum et humanarum causarumque quibus eae res continentur scientia. [Cicero, "De Officiis"]Meaning "system a person forms for conduct of life" is attested from 1771. Philosophize is attested from 1594.
philosophy
See computer ethics, liar paradox, netiquette, proof.
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