User:CircularReason/sandbox
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Philosophy (from Greek φιλοσοφία, philosophia, literally "love of wisdom") is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.[1][2] In a more general sense, the term 'philosophy' can refer to any wisdom, knowledge, or intellectual pursuit in any culture. However, the term most commonly refers to a particular tradition dating back to Socrates and Plato. The term coined by the pre-Socratic thinker Pythagoras.[3][4]
Philosophers might ask very abstract, theoretical questions such as: is it possible to know anything and to prove it?[5][6][7] What is most real? Or they might ask concrete, practical questions such as: Is there a best way to live? Is it better to be just or unjust (if you can get away with it)?[8] Some questions are so basic and important that almost everyone has an opinion about them: do humans have free will or not?[9] Many philosophers attempt to answer such questions by clarifying terms and presenting rigorous arguments.
Since almost any intellectual pursuit can be a philosophical pursuit, there are no widely-agreed upon lines between philosophy and mathematics, art, science, religion, or politics. Philosophers and artists both discuss whether beauty is objective or subjective;[10][11] philosophers and scientists both discuss whether there are many scientific methods or just one;[12] philosophers and religious thinkers both discuss whether there is a God or gods; and philosophers and political thinkers discuss whether creating a political utopia a hopeful dream or foolish fantasy.[13][14] However, it is widely-agreed that philosophical methods often involve asking questions, critical reflection on tradition, religion, and culture, and rational argument.[15][16]
Some develop conceptual systems and defend their positions against rivals. Some philosophers (such as Plato and Hegel) aim for more or less complete systems while others (such as Gettier or Wittgenstein) present individual arguments or problems. No single philosopher can ask and provide detailed answers to every philosophical question.