noun (plural -phies) Etymology: Middle English philosophie, from Anglo-French, from Latin philosophia, from Greek, from philosophos philosopher Date: 14th century 1. a. (1) all learning exclusive of technical precepts and practical arts (2) the sciences and liberal arts exclusive of medicine, law, and theology <
a doctor of philosophy
(3) the 4-year college course of a major seminary b. (1) archaic physical science (2) ethics c. a discipline comprising as its core logic, aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology 2. a. pursuit of wisdom b. a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means c. an analysis of the grounds of and concepts expressing fundamental beliefs 3. a. a system of philosophical concepts b. a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought <
the philosophy of war
philosophy of science
4. a. the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group b. calmness of temper and judgment befitting a philosopher

New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.


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