My first Intro to Philosophy assignment

We were asked to describe what philosophy is and what philosophy is not. Here was my response (it is an online class so it all takes place on a discussion board).

Derived from the Greek words philo (loving) and sophia (wisdom) we have a basic etymology for philosophy as "love of wisdom". Beyond that I think philosophy encompasses many different things.

For me philosophy can be seen as a quest for Truth. Not truth that is subjective to religious confirmation, but Truth that is based in reality, Truth that is absolute and can be proven.

I feel that philosophy promotes humility. Only when we realize exactly how little we "know" can we begin to pursue Truth. One cannot approach philosophy with a mindset that they already have all the answers about God or life, the past or the present. One must be willing to learn and willing to let go of what they once felt was true.

Philosophy can be isolating. Real Truth cannot be denied yet there are many not willing to pursue Truth who will reject anyone who seeks or embraces Truth as opposed to their own personal truth.

Philosophy is the integrity to admit error when found.

Philosophy is not religion, but it can be used to judge the actions of religion. It can judge the intent or consequences of faith.

At one point both math and science were considered philosophy. Math split off into a separate discipline rather early (Pythagoras and his theorem among the earliest) but Science was still considered natural philosophy even into the 19th century.

Philosophy tries to answer the questions that math and science cannot, though like a scientist or a mathematician, philosophers will formulate a hypothesis and set out to prove it using logic and reason.

I think philosophy is not something "known" as people often say with religion, but rather the pursuit of what CAN be known, what CAN be proven.

I believe philosophy is more of a means and not an end.