Defining Philosophy and the Philosophy of Man

Vocabulary terms and definitions focusing on the etymology, history, and general concepts of philosophy and the philosophy of man.

Philosophy (Etymological Meaning)

Derived from the Greek words philia (love) and sophia (wisdom), meaning "the love of wisdom."

Philosopher

A person who engages in the search for wisdom or truth; historically defined by Pythagoras as "one who is attempting to find out."

Philia

The Greek word for love.

Sophia

The Greek word for wisdom.

Pythagoras

The first man to call himself a Philosopher; he classified people into three groups: those who love pleasure, those who love activity, and those who love wisdom.

Sage

A term used before Pythagoras' time to describe wise men, interpreted to mean "those who know."

Leon, the tyrant of Philius

The individual who asked Pythagoras who he was, to which Pythagoras responded that he was a Philosopher, likening them to spectators at ancient games.

Philosophy (General Definition)

A science that investigates all things in their ultimate causes and principles through human reason.

Philosophy of Man

A course that delves into the origin of human life, the nature of human life, and the reality of human existence (Babor 2007).

Origin of Human Life

A dimension of the Philosophy of Man that explores where human life comes from.

Nature of Human Life

A dimension of the Philosophy of Man that examines what it means to be human.

Reality of Human Existence

A search for deeper truths about human life through the investigation of meaning, purpose, values, and destiny.

Socrates

The philosopher who famously stated, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

Essential aspects of human life

Wisdom, critical thinking, and self-reflection.