Philosophy
/fəˈlɒs.ə.fi/noun
The study of fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, philosophers often believed that wisdom was a divine gift, intertwining knowledge with spirituality in their quest for truth.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
φιλοσοφία
“Love of wisdom, a pursuit of knowledge and understanding.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
philosophia
“Adoption of the Greek term, retaining its meaning as the study of fundamental truths.”
Middle Ages
Latin
philosophia
“Used in scholasticism to describe the study of nature and existence.”
16th Century
Early Modern English
philosophie
“Adoption into English texts, referring broadly to various schools of thought.”
Modern English
English
philosophy
“Established as a formal discipline encompassing various branches of knowledge and inquiry.”
Explore more surprising origins