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Philosopher

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Revision as of 02:09, 6 June 2014 by SPECIFICO (talk | contribs) (→top: Better illustration, with image about which there is no disagreement.)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) See also: List of philosophers
Plato (left) and Aristotle (right), a detail of The School of Athens, a fresco by Raphael. Aristotle gestures to the earth, representing his belief in knowledge through empirical observation and experience, while holding a copy of his Nicomachean Ethics in his hand. Plato holds his Timaeus and gestures to the heavens, representing his belief in The Forms

In the broadest sense of the word, a philosopher is a someone who studies philosophy. The word "philosopher" comes from the Ancient Greek φιλόσοφος (philosophos), which literally means "lover of wisdom". The introduction of the terms "philosopher" and "philosophy" has been ascribed to the Greek thinker Pythagoras.

A philosopher may have extensive knowledge concerning one or more of the fields of aesthetics, ethics, epistemology, logic, metaphysics, social theory and political philosophy. They may relate this knowledge to the discussion of philosophical problems.

Modern academia

In the modern era, those attaining advanced degrees in philosophy often choose to stay in careers within the the educational system. According to a 1993 study by the National Research Council (as reported by the American Philosophical Association), 77.1% of the 7,900 holders of a Ph.D. in philosophy who responded were employed in educational institutions (academia). Non-academic philosophers can employ their skills in a great number of other careers, such as medicine, bioethics, business, publishing, free-lance writing, media, and law.

Women in Philosophy

See also: List of female philosophers

While the majority of philosophers are male, there have been some demographic changes since the 20th century. Some prominent female philosophers are Marilyn McCord Adams, Patricia Churchland, Ayn Rand, Elizabeth Anscombe, and Susan Haack.

Prizes in Philosophy

Prominent prizes in Philosophy include the Avicenna Prize, the Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy and the Rolf Schock Prizes.

References

  1. φιλόσοφος. Liddell, Henry George; Scott, Robert; A Greek–English Lexicon at the Perseus Project
  2. APA Committee on Non-Academic Careers (June 1999). "A non-academic career?" (3rd ed.). American Philosophical Association. Retrieved May 24, 2014.

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