Introduction to Philosophy

Most people are familiar with the word, ‘philosophy’, but may not have any clear idea of what it actually means. Various aspects of philosophy are difficult to define due to the volatile nature of arriving at absolute truths, but there are still some common ground definitions that will allow us to gain an understanding of what philosophy is and how it can be applied to our lives.

What Does Philosophy Mean?

To start, philosophy can generally be defined as the study of knowledge, reality, and existence from a philosophical or rational perspective. The term philosophy is derived from the Greek “philo” meaning “to love”, and “sophia”, meaning “wisdom”. Therefore, when taken together, philosophy can be interpreted as “the love of wisdom”.

Seeking the Truth

Philosophers often try to seek the truth by performing analytical thinking and posing questions in order to understand the underlying logic of any given system or view. This can involve anything from logic to science, and even to questioning the nature of life itself. Famous philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are only a few of the many who sought to use logic and lots of questioning to arrive at scientific and philosophical truths.

In addition to attempting to determine the underlying truths of any given topic, modern-day philosophers often cultivate understanding and wisdom through a mixture of the analytical approach combined with living each day as an opportunity for self-reflection. Through this combination, an appreciation of our existence and the life around us can be developed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, philosophy can generally be defined as the study of knowledge, reality, and existence from a philosophical or rational perspective. The term philosophy is derived from the Greek “philo” meaning “to love” and “sophia”, meaning “wisdom”, therefore when taken together, philosophy can be interpreted as “the love of wisdom”. Philosophers often use an analytical approach combined with reflection in order to strengthen understanding and wisdom. Through the practice of philosophy one can gain greater appreciation of our existence and life around us.