Philosopher

Philosopher

Noun · /fɪˈlɒsəfə/ · a person who seeks wisdom through reasoned inquiry into fundamental questions

Definition

A person who studies or engages in philosophy — the pursuit of wisdom through deep thinking about fundamental questions: What is truth? What is justice? What makes a good life? A philosopher asks questions others take for granted, examines assumptions, and builds frameworks for understanding reality, knowledge, and ethics.

Origin

From Greek philosophos — philos (loving) + sophos (wise). Literally: a lover of wisdom. The term was traditionally attributed to Pythagoras, who called himself a philosophos rather than a sophos (wise man), arguing that no human possesses wisdom — we can only love and pursue it. The word entered English via Latin and French in the 14th century.