The definition of philosophy?
- Philosophy Explorer
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The definition of philosophy?
Someone mentioned that philosophy is thinking about thinking which is true, but I think too limited about describing philosophy. I think a better definition about philosophy is to say it's about investigating and examining the foundations of science, religion, art, reality, knowledge, ethics, morality, politics, aesthetics and logic. I think this definition is more comprehensive and would serve well as a guide.
What say you to this?
PhilX
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
"The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master."
I believe spiritual freedom (a.k.a. self-discipline) manifests as bravery, confidence, grace, honesty, love, and inner peace.
- Philosophy Explorer
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
Already did Scott. None of them mention religion and only one mentions science from my first internet page. Mentioning art and aesthetics might be duplicating, I'll let others decide.Scott wrote:If we are merely looking for a quick definition, why not just check the dictionary?
PhilX
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
With reference to your OP, you might as well say, 'Philosophy is the investigating and examining the foundation of life' to avoid missing out anything critical in your listed activities.Philosophy Explorer wrote:I feel that though this may be a work-in-progress, that we're getting close to the truth so let's give it a try.
Someone mentioned that philosophy is thinking about thinking which is true, but I think too limited about describing philosophy. I think a better definition about philosophy is to say it's about investigating and examining the foundations of science, religion, art, reality, knowledge, ethics, morality, politics, aesthetics and logic. I think this definition is more comprehensive and would serve well as a guide.
What say you to this?
PhilX
IMO, this is not relate to philosophy-proper.
I think your definition is influenced with bias to ancient Greek/Western philosophy so it is not universal.
- Philosophy Explorer
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
Could call it the western branch philosophy. What would be the eastern branch's definition of it?Spectrum wrote:With reference to your OP, you might as well say, 'Philosophy is the investigating and examining the foundation of life' to avoid missing out anything critical in your listed activities.Philosophy Explorer wrote:I feel that though this may be a work-in-progress, that we're getting close to the truth so let's give it a try.
Someone mentioned that philosophy is thinking about thinking which is true, but I think too limited about describing philosophy. I think a better definition about philosophy is to say it's about investigating and examining the foundations of science, religion, art, reality, knowledge, ethics, morality, politics, aesthetics and logic. I think this definition is more comprehensive and would serve well as a guide.
What say you to this?
PhilX
IMO, this is not relate to philosophy-proper.
I think your definition is influenced with bias to ancient Greek/Western philosophy so it is not universal.
PhilX
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
- MidiChlorian
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English philosophie < Latin philosophia < Greek philosophía. See philo-, -sophy,
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/philo-
"philo-" "a combining form appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “loving” (philology); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (philoprogenitive)."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/-sophy
"-sophy" "a combining form occurring in loanwords from Greek ( philosophy; theosophy ); on this model used, with the meaning “science of,” in the formation of compound word."
So, in essence "philosophy" can be defined as the "science of loving".
Where these primary philosophies have been categorized as: "any of the three branches, namely dictionary.reference.com/browse/natural ... hilosophy' natural philosophy, dictionary.reference.com/browse/moral%2 ... philosophy moral philosophy, and http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/metaphysics metaphysical philosophy, that are accepted as composing this study" through "the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct."
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
"So, in essence 'philosophy' can be defined as the 'science of loving'."
Sounds like studying a hooker.
PhilX
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
Yes, this may be true, where, is it still considered, the world's oldest profession? Or, can it be considered as the attempt to find true love, or the understanding of truth, from loving one another, as brotherly and sisterly love? Can we truly understand the philosophy of life if we do not understand the philosophy of love through being loved?Philosophy Explorer wrote:Excerpting from Midchlorian:
"So, in essence 'philosophy' can be defined as the 'science of loving'."
Sounds like studying a hooker.
PhilX
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
Why would the definition of philosophy be expected to mention religion or science? Religion and science are both different methods than philosophy.Philosophy Explorer wrote:Already did Scott. None of them mention religion and only one mentions science from my first internet page. Mentioning art and aesthetics might be duplicating, I'll let others decide.Scott wrote:If we are merely looking for a quick definition, why not just check the dictionary?
PhilX
"The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master."
I believe spiritual freedom (a.k.a. self-discipline) manifests as bravery, confidence, grace, honesty, love, and inner peace.
- Philosophy Explorer
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- Joined: May 25th, 2013, 8:41 pm
Re: The definition of philosophy?
And yet you have the philosophy of religion and science categories. Why have those separate categories? (other websites also do this).Scott wrote:Why would have the definition of philosophy be expected to mention religion or science? Religion and science are both different methods than philosophy.Philosophy Explorer wrote: (Nested quote removed.)
Already did Scott. None of them mention religion and only one mentions science from my first internet page. Mentioning art and aesthetics might be duplicating, I'll let others decide.
PhilX
PhilX
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
Philosophy is critical thinking. [thinking of course about arguments and arguments are about propositions]
How do we think critically? We use deductive logic to analyse the arguments or construct arguments.
I hope this will help.
- 3uGH7D4MLj
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
One definition I found is, "Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with reality, existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language," but there are other definitions.Philosophy Explorer wrote:Someone mentioned that philosophy is thinking about thinking which is true, but I think too limited about describing philosophy. I think a better definition about philosophy is to say it's about investigating and examining the foundations of science, religion, art, reality, knowledge, ethics, morality, politics, aesthetics and logic. I think this definition is more comprehensive and would serve well as a guide.
What say you to this?
If you are unsure how a person is using the word in a specific situation, the best thing is to ask, "What do you mean when you say 'philosophy' here?"
- Nameless1995
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Re: The definition of philosophy?
2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month
Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
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Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
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