Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
philosophy (noun)1.
a) (1) all learning exclusive of technical and practical arts - precepts
(2) the sciences and liberal arts medicine, law, and theology - exclusive of a doctor of philosophy
(3) the 4-year college course of a major seminary
b) (1) archaic - physical science
(2) - ethics
c) a discipline comprising as its core , aesthetics, ethics, , and epistemology - logic metaphysics
2.
a) pursuit of wisdom
b) a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly rather than observational means - speculative
c) an analysis of the grounds of and concepts expressing fundamental beliefs
3.
a) a system of concepts - philosophical
b) a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought - the philosophy of war
4.
a) the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group
b) calmness of temper and judgment befitting a - philosopher
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
philosophy (noun)the basic beliefs or guiding principles of a person or group
SYNONIMS:
credo, doctrine, dogma, gospel, ideology ( idealogy), philosophy, testamentRELATED WORDS:
manifesto; metaphysic, theory; axiom, tenet, watchword