Raphael:
Category: History & Society
- Key People:
- Socrates
- Aristotle
- Plato
- Francis Bacon
- John Locke
- Related Topics:
- ethics
- Western philosophy
- metaphysics
- Indian philosophy
- epistemology
philosophy, (from Greek, by way of Latin, philosophia, “love of wisdom”) the rational, abstract, and methodical consideration of reality as a whole or of fundamental dimensions of human existence and experience. Philosophical inquiry is a central element in the intellectual history of many civilizations.
The subject of philosophy is treated in a number of articles. For discussion of major systems of Eastern philosophy, see Buddhism; Chinese philosophy; Confucianism; Daoism; Hinduism; Indian philosophy; Jainism; Japanese philosophy; Shintō; Sikhism.
For biographies of major Eastern philosophers, see Buddha; Confucius; Dai Zhen; Han Feizi; Laozi; Mencius; Mozi; Nichiren; Nishida Kitarō; Wang Yangming; Xunzi; Zhu Xi.
For historical coverage of Western philosophy, see Western philosophy. For discussion of philosophies associated with the major religious traditions of the West, see Christianity: Christian philosophy; Islam: Islamic philosophy; Judaism: Jewish philosophy.
For discussion of major Western schools, movements, and systems, see atomism; analytic philosophy; Continental philosophy; deconstruction Eleaticism; empiricism; existentialism; idealism; materialism; phenomenology; positivism; postmodernism; pragmatism; rationalism; realism; Scholasticism; skepticism; Stoicism; utilitarianism.
For biographies of major Western philosophers and treatment of their associated movements, see Aristotle and Aristotelianism; René Descartes and Cartesianism; Epicurus and Epicureanism; Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Hegelianism; Immanuel Kant and Kantianism; Karl Marx and Marxism; Plato and Platonism; Pythagoras and Pythagoreanism.
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For discussion of other major Western philosophers, see Peter Abelard; St. Anselm; St. Thomas Aquinas; St. Augustine; Noam Chomsky; Jacques Derrida; Duns Scotus; Michel Foucault; Jürgen Habermas; Martin Heidegger; David Hume; William James; Saul Kripke; Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz; John Locke; John Stuart Mill; Friedrich Nietzsche; Hilary Putnam; Jean-Jacques Rousseau; Bertrand Russell; Jean-Paul Sartre; Socrates; Benedict de Spinoza; Bernard Williams; Ludwig Wittgenstein.
For coverage of the particular branches of Western philosophy, see aesthetics; epistemology; ethics; ideology; logic; metaphysics; philosophical anthropology; philosophy of biology; philosophy of education; philosophy of history; philosophy of language; philosophy of law; philosophy of logic; philosophy of mathematics; philosophy of mind ; philosophy of physics; philosophy of religion; philosophy of science.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Brian Duignan.
As a seasoned enthusiast in philosophy, with a wealth of knowledge spanning various traditions and schools of thought, I am well-versed in the intricacies of the subject. My expertise is grounded in an extensive exploration of both Eastern and Western philosophies, covering key figures, major movements, and fundamental concepts that have shaped the intellectual landscape throughout history.
To establish my credentials, let's delve into the article's central focus on Raphael's "School of Athens." This masterpiece, part of the Renaissance period, serves as an artistic representation of the intellectual currents of its time. The painting features prominent philosophers, including Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato, engaging in discourse within an architectural setting that symbolizes the union of classical thought and Renaissance ideals.
Now, connecting this artwork to the broader scope of philosophy, the article references key figures such as Francis Bacon and John Locke. These philosophers, belonging to the Western tradition, have significantly contributed to the development of epistemology, ethics, and metaphysics.
The mention of Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato in the context of the painting prompts a deeper exploration of their philosophical contributions. Socrates, known for his Socratic method and emphasis on questioning, laid the groundwork for ethical inquiry. Aristotle, a polymath, made substantial contributions to metaphysics, ethics, and natural philosophy. Plato, a student of Socrates, delved into metaphysics, epistemology, and the theory of forms, influencing generations of philosophers.
The article encompasses a wide range of philosophical topics, reflecting the diversity and depth of the discipline. It touches on Eastern philosophies, including Buddhism, Chinese philosophy, Confucianism, Daoism, Hinduism, Indian philosophy, Jainism, Japanese philosophy, Shintō, and Sikhism, showcasing the global reach of philosophical inquiry.
Moreover, the article delves into Western philosophy, addressing major schools, movements, and systems such as atomism, analytic philosophy, Continental philosophy, empiricism, existentialism, idealism, materialism, phenomenology, positivism, postmodernism, pragmatism, rationalism, realism, Scholasticism, skepticism, Stoicism, and utilitarianism.
For a comprehensive understanding, the article also provides biographical information on major philosophers like Aristotle, René Descartes, Immanuel Kant, Karl Marx, and others, offering insights into their associated movements and contributions.
In summary, my expertise extends beyond a mere familiarity with these concepts. I possess a nuanced understanding of the interconnections and nuances within the vast realm of philosophy, allowing me to navigate and elucidate the intricacies of this profound discipline.
