The introduction of the terms "philosopher" and "philosophy" has been ascribed to the Greek thinker Pythagoras. The ascription is said to be based on a passage in a lost work of Herakleides Pontikos, a disciple of Aristotle. It is considered to be part of the widespread body of legends of Pythagoras of this time. "Philosopher" was understood as a word which contrasted with "sophist" (from sophoi). Traveling sophists or "wise men" were important in Classical Greece, often earning money as teachers, whereas philosophers are "lovers of wisdom" and not professionals.

Noun

philosophy (countable and uncountable; plural philosophies)

1. (uncountable) (originally) The love of wisdom
2. (uncountable) An academic discipline that seeks truth through reasoning rather than empiricism

   Philosophy is often divided into five major branches: logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and aesthetics.

3. (countable) A comprehensive system of belief.
4. (countable) A view or outlook regarding fundamental principles underlying some domain.

   a philosophy of government

   a philosophy of education

5. (countable) A general principle (usually moral).
6. (archaic) A broader branch of (non-applied) science

Meronyms

• See also Wikisaurus:philosophy