So, you have probably heard about philosophy or maybe even looked into it briefly but there is so much information out there. Philosophy is so broad that it might be difficult to figure out where to start when you want to know what it is. I am here to help you learn what philosophy means and how you can start your journey in exploring this amazing discipline.
“The unexamined life is not worth living”
Socrates
Definition of Philosophy
As you might have guessed, philosophy is a word that comes from ancient Greece. It is based on the words philein sophia which have the beautiful meaning of ‘lover of wisdom’. This meaning is still very broad but that actually makes sense. The ancient Greeks that called themselves philosophers studied everything. The different disciplines that we know today such as physics, psychology, and other sciences were all seen as the domain of philosophy. While we now study these disciplines separately, philosophy is still applicable to all sciences. Its subjects deal with problems and questions about many different things. One area of study is that of knowledge while there are also philosophers interested in art. So, the definition is clear now, but this does not make it easier to figure out what it actually means.
What does Philosophy mean?
If you have ever looked into philosophy, you must have felt pretty overwhelmed. What does philosophy mean? Well, it means that you think about certain questions that are related to a variety of subjects. One of the more well-known subjects is ethics. Questions that you find here are focused on what it means to do the right thing or how you are supposed to know what is good or bad. In philosophy, we try to find answers but also more questions. It means being critical and being able to think clearly. It means being able to see the wonders of our world. The old Greek does still apply here. Being interested in the world around you means being a lover of wisdom.
What is a philosopher?
As a philosophy student, a lot of people ask me what I will be once I graduate; what does it mean to be a philosopher? Many people only know the old famous philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. These are important, but the modern philosopher is way more fun than the old dusty image you might have in mind. The modern philosopher is skilled in writing, reading, and discussing. It is someone curious and schooled that can articulate an opinion and apply their theoretical knowledge in real life.
In short, philosophy is an amazing discipline that can be applied to so many areas of life. Even as a non-philosopher the lessons you can learn from philosophy are valuable. They can help you create a more fulfilling life. This discipline might be something for you if you are a curious person that has an interest in our world. If you want to figure out why things are the way they are, you are already on your way to becoming somewhat of a philosopher yourself.
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