'Noun
Singular
philosophy
Plural
countable and uncountable; philosophies
philosophy (countable and uncountable; plural philosophies)
An academic discipline that is often divided into five major branches: logic; metaphysics; epistemology; ethics; and aesthetics.
A comprehensive system of belief.
A view or outlook regarding fundamental principles underlying some domain.
a philosophy of government
a philosophy of education
A general principle (usually moral).'
2007-09-07 11:10:30
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answer #1
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answered by shmux 6
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Philosophy is an abstract, often controversial, term used to describe man's method(s) of understanding various aspects of the world.
Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of reality. It tries to answer the question “What is real?” The question of whether there is a God and a spiritual world beyond the natural world we know is a metaphysical question. Though today we often use the word supernatural in a more limited sense, originally it referred to a world higher, or above, the one we see and experience with our physical senses.
Another area of philosophy is axiology. Axiology is the study of ethics and values. It wrestles with such questions as “What is good?” “What is ethical?” “What are right and wrong?”
A third branch of philosophy is epistemology. Epistemology is the study of how we know what is real or true. There are numerous epistemological systems.
Authoritarianism is the system by which truth is learned from those who are authorities or experts. We trust learned men or women, such as parents, teachers, religious leaders, and consultants, to give us truth in their areas of expertise.
Rationalism refers to gaining truth through logic. In rationalism we ask, “Does it make sense? Is it logical?”
Pragmatism determines whether something works. The business world is often pragmatically oriented, focusing on whether a new product or marketing strategy actually produces the desired results. If it works, it is valid; if it doesn’t, it is rejected.
Empiricism uses observation or personal experience to arrive at truth. This knowledge is gathered primarily through the senses—through what one sees, touches, hears, smells, and tastes.
Which do I subscribe to? All of them. But I also rely on another way of knowing truth: divine revelation. In this method, truth comes either directly from God or indirectly through his prophets.
Whether he recognizes it or not, every person holds to a metaphysical position, trusts in at least one system of epistemology, and holds a personal axiology or set of values and ethics. Furthermore, these three areas of our own philosophy are interrelated. Our metaphysics (our view of reality) influences our epistemology (the way we gain knowledge), and together the two determine our axiology (our values).
Suppose, for example, that a person rejects the idea that there is a spiritual dimension to life. That metaphysical position automatically determines what that person will accept as truth. Revelation is rejected because the reality of God is rejected. Deciding what is good and bad, therefore, will not be dependent on any set of God-given laws or fear of eternal consequences.
2007-09-07 11:38:14
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answer #2
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answered by The Corinthian 7
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The real definition of Philosophy is the wisdom of thought each person possess. It is inherent in each individual. You just don't know that it is always been used everyday without you noticing it.
2007-09-07 12:08:36
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answer #3
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answered by Third P 6
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Philosophy is the contemplative study of the fundamental nature of reality, the universe, and everything in it including human concepts, values, and other human constructs.
2007-09-07 11:16:59
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answer #4
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answered by knowalotlearnalot 4
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Philosophy schools were originated in Africa by the prophets, to ordain new prophets. The word "Philo" means "Loves" and Sophi means "to be Wise."
2007-09-07 12:39:44
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answer #5
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answered by Dimples 6
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I believe it is the art of thinking without the fear of being wrong. it gives nut cases like me the opportunity to speak their mind and actually get someone else to ponder my thoughts.
2007-09-07 13:14:35
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answer #6
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answered by mommymanic 4
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I would call it the science of highest and ultimate causes, pertaining to life and reality|
If it pertains to reality *as such,* it is *metaphysics* - if it pertains to *morality,* it is "ethics" - if it pertains to *questions of knowledge and truth,* it is epistemology - if it pertains to *the right relationship between propositions,* it is logic|
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2007-09-07 12:30:01
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Its a predisposition of ones outlook in life... on he/she view life in the context of his beliefs...
Everyone's belief differ on one's culture and traditions,
2007-09-07 23:27:11
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answer #8
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answered by vaynatz 1
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anything that can be discussed without ever really making total sence to the persons discussing it. lol
2007-09-07 11:12:21
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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