philosophy
n. C / Un. the study of big questions about life, knowledge, and what is right or wrong. It can also mean a set of ideas that guides how you live or work.
n. the systematic study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. It also refers to a specific system of thought or a personal set of principles for conduct.
Her philosophy of life is to stay positive every day.
The university offers a degree in political philosophy that explores how different societies define justice and freedom.
While the ancient Greeks laid the groundwork for Western philosophy, modern thinkers continue to debate the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and human consciousness.
From Middle English philosophie, Old French philosophie, and their source, Latin philosophia, from Ancient Greek φιλοσοφία (philosophía), from φίλος (phílos, “loving”) + σοφία (sophía, “wisdom”). By surface analysis, philo- + -sophy. Displaced Old English ūþwitegung.
Uncountable when referring to the academic field of study; countable when referring to a specific system of beliefs or a personal outlook.