philosophy

noun

phi·​los·​o·​phy fə-ˈlä-s(ə-)fē 

plural philosophies

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

4

a

: the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group

b

: calmness of temper and judgment befitting a philosopher

Synonyms

• ideology
• doctrine

Examples of philosophy in a Sentence

There's plenty of blame to go around: poor regulation, eight years of a failed Republican economic philosophy, Wall Street-friendly Democrats who helped stymie reform, misguided bipartisan efforts to promote home ownership, Wall Street greed, corrupt CEOs, a botched rescue effort, painfully fallible central bankers. —Daniel Gross, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2009

Broadly speaking, philosophy has three concerns: how the world hangs together, how our beliefs can be justified, and how to live. —Jim Holt, New York Times Book Review, 15 Feb. 2009

Almost none of the kids were older than twenty-five, as if there were a sell-by date on radical social philosophy, a legal age limit after which one must surrender lofty ideals and shave off all dreadlocks. —Matthew Power, Harper's, March 2008

In their mission statement, the editors bragged of their firm commitment to equality and social justice, but their philosophy didn't prevent them from summoning Lindsey to perform all their menial tasks. —Kim Wong Keltner, The Dim Sum of All Things, 2004

Her degree is in philosophy and religion.

The group eventually split over conflicting political philosophies.

Her main cooking philosophy is to use only fresh ingredients.

Recent Examples on the Web

Read about other clubs below: Few managers or head coaches in the game have a tactical philosophy as clear and consistent as Ruben Amorim’s. —Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025

Perfect for those with backgrounds in philosophy, ethics, law, social sciences, or public policy. —Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

The Basics of Philosophy focuses on a repressed philosophy professor (Huston) who has been grappling with lingering guilt over a decision from his past when the victim suddenly returns to his life. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2025

The Dean Collection’s philosophy of circulation—allowing artworks to inhabit diverse spaces and reach varied audiences—finds expression in the intimate setting of the Paradis Suite, where guests encounter these works in moments of personal retreat and reflection. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English philosophie, from Anglo-French, from Latin philosophia, from Greek, from philosophos philosopher

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing philosophy

• analytic philosophy
• doctor of philosophy
• moral philosophy
• natural philosophy
• ordinary-language philosophy
• philosophy of life

Kids Definition

philosophy

noun

phi·​los·​o·​phy fə-ˈläs-(ə-)fē 

plural philosophies

1

: the study of the basic ideas about knowledge, truth, right and wrong, religion, and the nature and meaning of life

2

: the philosophical teachings or principles of a person or group

Greek philosophy

3

: the general principles of a field of study or activity

the philosophy of history

4

: someone's basic beliefs about the way people should live