philosophy

philosophy [Gr.,=love of wisdom], study of the ultimate reality, causes, and principles underlying being and thinking. It has many aspects and different manifestations according to the problems involved and the method of approach and emphasis used by the individual philosopher. This article deals with the nature and development of Western philosophical thought. Eastern philosophy, while founded in religion, contains rigorously developed systems; for these, see Buddhism; Confucianism; Hinduism; Islam; Jainism; Shinto; Taoism; Vedanta; and related articles.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• The Twentieth Century
• The Middle Ages to the Nineteenth Century
• Classical Philosophy
• The History of Philosophy
• Branches
• Distinguishing Characteristics
• Bibliography

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