philosophy

 
Pronunciation: /fɪˈlɒsəfi/

noun (plural philosophies)

  • 1 [mass noun] the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline. See also natural philosophy
  • [count noun] a particular system of philosophical thought: the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle
  • the study of the theoretical basis of a particular branch of knowledge or experience: the philosophy of science
  • 2a theory or attitude that acts as a guiding principle for behaviour: don’t expect anything and you won’t be disappointed, that’s my philosophy

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French philosophie, via Latin from Greek philosophia 'love of wisdom'