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

This effort included investing in new high-speed production technologies and reducing inefficiencies using the Lean Six Sigma method—a corporate philosophy that encourages employees to identify and address problems. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 7 July 2025

Clos du Val grows its grapes in the Stags Leap region of Napa Valley with a Bordeaux philosophy and approach to winemaking. —Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Of course, this is the bonus family philosophy and your brother is your biological sibling. —Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025

Your celestial ruler, Venus, has entered Gemini, which may prompt you to explore new ideas and philosophies in intriguing ways. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 July 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