philosophy

Introduction

There is much debate about the nature of philosophy. In fact, many academics argue that there is no such thing as a philosophy “field” at all. But if there were such a thing, it would certainly include metaphysics and ontology. Let's take a closer look:

Metaphysics

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of reality. It asks questions such as "What is there in the world?", "What can we know about this world?", and "How should we behave in light of what we have learned?"

Unlike science, metaphysics doesn't concern itself with what can be known about reality (i.e., it isn't concerned with whether or not there are any unicorns). Instead, it focuses on what exists and how things relate to each other in reality. For example: Is there a God? What is a human being?

Ontology

Ontology is the branch of philosophy that investigates the nature of being, existence or reality.

Epistemology is the study of knowledge: how we know what we know and why do we know it.

Some examples of ontological questions are: What is the nature of reality? How do we define 'real' things? Is there a difference between mental realities and physical ones (or both)?

A field of study that touches on human life, human behavior and the nature of knowledge

Philosophy is a field of study that touches on human life, human behavior and the nature of knowledge. Philosophy is a way of thinking, and not just a subject. Contrary to what you might think, philosophy is not just about what you think; it’s also about how you think. The word “philosophy” comes from the Greek word philein (to love) and sophia (wisdom). So, basically: love for wisdom.

Conclusion

The philosophy world is vast and mysterious, but don’t be intimidated. This article has given you a taste of philosophy and its many branches. Now that you know what to expect from this field of study, there’s never been a better time to dive into the fascinating world of philosophy!