The systematic exploration of fundamental questions about existence, reason, knowledge, value, mind, and language characterizes philosophy. It is a rational and critical inquiry that scrutinizes its own methods and assumptions. Throughout history, various sciences like physics and psychology were part of philosophy, though they are now distinct academic disciplines.
Diverse philosophical traditions, such as Western, Arabic-Persian, Indian, and Chinese philosophy, have left lasting imprints. Originating in Ancient Greece, Western philosophy spans numerous subfields. Arabic-Persian philosophy delves into the relationship between reason and revelation, while Indian philosophy addresses spiritual enlightenment and the nature of reality. Chinese philosophy focuses on practical matters like social conduct, governance, and self-cultivation.
Major branches of philosophy include epistemology, ethics, logic, and metaphysics. Epistemology examines knowledge acquisition, ethics explores moral principles, logic studies correct reasoning, and metaphysics delves into the most general features of reality.
Aesthetics, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, philosophy of science, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of history, and political philosophy are notable subfields. Each branch harbors competing schools of thought with differing principles, theories, or methods.
Philosophers employ diverse methods for acquiring philosophical knowledge, such as conceptual analysis, reliance on common sense and intuitions, thought experiments, analysis of ordinary language, description of experience, and critical questioning.
Philosophy intersects with various fields, including sciences, mathematics, business, law, and journalism. Offering an interdisciplinary perspective, it studies the scope and fundamental concepts of these disciplines while investigating their methods and ethical implications.