phi ‧ los ‧ o ‧ phy W3 AC /fəˈlɒsəfi, fɪˈlɒsəfi $ -ˈlɑː-/ BrE AmE noun ( plural philosophies )
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ philosophy , ↑ philosopher ; adverb : ↑ philosophically ; adjective : ↑ philosophical ]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: philosophie , from Latin , from Greek , from philosophos 'philosopher' , from phil- ( PHILANDER ) + sophia 'knowledge' ]
1 . [uncountable] the study of the nature and meaning of existence, truth, good and evil etc:
Emma studies philosophy at university.
philosophy of
the philosophy of science
2 . [countable] the views of a particular philosopher or group of philosophers
philosophy of
the philosophy of Aristotle
3 . [countable] the attitude or set of ideas that guides the behaviour of a person or organization:
The company explained their management philosophy.
The idea that you should treat others as you would like them to treat you is a fine philosophy of life.
⇨ ↑ natural philosophy