philosophie

Noun

philosophy (countable and uncountable, plural philosophies)

1. (uncountable) An academic discipline that seeks truth through reasoning rather than empiricism, often attempting to provide explanations relating to general concepts such as existence and rationality.
   • Philosophy is often divided into five major branches: logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and aesthetics.
2. (countable) A view or outlook regarding fundamental principles underlying some domain.
   • a philosophy of government; a philosophy of education

   Synonyms:

   worldview, ethos

3. (countable) A general principle (usually moral).
   • As a matter of fact the Enlightment culture was based on a philosophy inspired to an ethical laicism whose aim was to create a better society based on principles such as solidarity, equality of rights and duties, and full freedom.2012, Francesca Valensise, From Building Fabric to City Form: Reconstruction in Calabria at end of Eighteenth Century, Gangemi Editore spa, →ISBN, page 8
4. (countable) A comprehensive system of belief.

   Synonyms:

   doctrine, ideology

5. (archaic, uncountable, originally) The love of wisdom.
6. (dated, uncountable) A calm and thoughtful demeanor; calmness of temper.

See all 9 meanings of philosophy