noun pl. philosophies -·phies

1. Archaic love of, or the search for, wisdom or knowledge
2. theory or logical analysis of the principles underlying conduct, thought, knowledge, and the nature of the universe: included in philosophy are ethics, aesthetics, logic, epistemology, metaphysics, etc.
3. the general principles or laws of a field of knowledge, activity, etc. the philosophy of economics
4. 1. a particular system of principles for the conduct of life
   2. a treatise covering such a system
5. a study of human morals, character, and behavior
6. mental balance or composure thought of as resulting from the study of philosophy
7. Obsolete natural philosophy

Etymology: ME philosophie < OFr < L philosophia < Gr < philosophos: see philosopher