Several Thinkers

Philosophy is a search for answers to wide-ranging questions about the nature of the universe, the nature of man, the purpose of life, the character of the good life, and the design of the good society. The word "philosophy" comes from two Greek roots, philos, literally meaning "love," and sophia, which can be translated as either "knowledge" or "wisdom". Aristotle said that philosophy begins in wonder: in a desire to understand the reasons for striking or perplexing phenomena. Philosophy has traditionally meant the pursuit of comprehensive understanding and insight.

Thinkers generally hailed as outstanding philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Rene Descartes, St. Thomas Aquinas, Georg W. F. Hegel, and Alfred North Whitehead, have asked typical questions: Is the universe ultimately composed of matter, of some spiritual substance, or of something else? Can the existence of God be proved by argument? Has the universe any supreme purpose? Does it make sense to speak of purpose in such a way? What is the goal of a human life? Is man merely one animal among many, or is he uniquely distinguished by having a soul? Could a person continue to exist after the destruction of his body? Is man free to make ethical decisions? What are the basic moral duties, and how are they to be discovered? Is the good man necessarily happy, or must virtue be its own reward? What conditions must a just society satisfy? What are meant by justice, equality, and freedom?