Philosophy

Philosophy (from Greek φιλοσοφία, philosophia, literally "love of wisdom") is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The term was probably coined by Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE). Philosophical methods include questioning, critical discussion, rational argument, and systematic presentation. Classic philosophical questions include: Is it possible to know anything and to prove it? What is most real? Philosophers also pose more practical and concrete questions such as: Is there a best way to live? Is it better to be just or unjust (if one can get away with it)? Do humans have free will?

Historically, "philosophy" encompassed any body of knowledge. From the time of Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle to the 19th century, "natural philosophy" encompassed astronomy, medicine, and physics. For example, Newton's 1687 Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy later became classified as a book of physics. In the 19th century, the growth of modern research universities led academic philosophy and other disciplines to professionalize and specialize. In the modern era, some investigations that were traditionally part of philosophy became separate academic disciplines, including psychology, sociology, linguistics, and economics.

Other investigations closely related to art, science, politics, or other pursuits remained part of philosophy. For example, is beauty objective or subjective? Are there many scientific methods or just one? Is political utopia a hopeful dream or hopeless fantasy? Major sub-fields of academic philosophy include metaphysics ("concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and being"), epistemology (about the "nature and grounds of knowledge [and]...its limits and validity" ), ethics, aesthetics, political philosophy, logic and philosophy of science.

Since the 20th century, professional philosophers contribute to society primarily as academics. However, many of those who study philosophy in undergraduate or graduate programs contribute in the fields of law, journalism, politics, religion, science, business and various art and entertainment activities.

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Scholarships for Philosophy Majors

Bullet name award deadline Link
 

Beinecke Scholarship - Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College

$34,000 Varies See Details
 

Beinecke Scholarship - Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College

award

$34,000

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

McAllaster Honors Scholarship - Greenville University

Greenville University

$20,500 Varies See Details
 

McAllaster Honors Scholarship - Greenville University

Greenville University

award

$20,500

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Willard J. Houghton Ministerial Scholarship - Houghton College

Houghton College

$5,000 Varies See Details
 

Willard J. Houghton Ministerial Scholarship - Houghton College

Houghton College

award

$5,000

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Penner Family Experiences Award

Georgetown University

Up to $4,000 April 09, 2024 See Details
 

Penner Family Experiences Award

Georgetown University

award

Up to $4,000

deadline

April 09, 2024
See Details
 

Emil A. Erickson Memorial Scholarship

Mesabi Range College

$3,500 Varies See Details
 

Emil A. Erickson Memorial Scholarship

Mesabi Range College

award

$3,500

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Holzbock Humanities Scholarship

Oakland University

$3,000 Varies See Details
 

Holzbock Humanities Scholarship

Oakland University

award

$3,000

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Paez-Garcia-Schow Endowed Scholarship

Westminster College, Utah

$2,950 Varies See Details
 

Paez-Garcia-Schow Endowed Scholarship

Westminster College, Utah

award

$2,950

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Myrna Lee Sprengler Memorial Scholarship

University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

$2,500 Varies See Details
 

Myrna Lee Sprengler Memorial Scholarship

University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

award

$2,500

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

William and Effa McMeans Scholarship

University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

$2,000 Varies See Details
 

William and Effa McMeans Scholarship

University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

award

$2,000

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Edward Prichett Scholarship

University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Up to $2,000 Varies See Details
 

Edward Prichett Scholarship

University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

award

Up to $2,000

deadline

Varies
See Details