Epistemology and Logic - This first branch of philosophy deals in knowledge itself. It seeks to explain how we acquire knowledge, and how we verify what we already know. Here, authors conecntrate on topics such as the criteria for truth, the fallacies and incompetancies of language, reasoning, the need for evidence, and various other approaches to truth, including pragmatism and skepticism. Some of the greatest philosophers have commented upon logic itself.

Ethics and Philosophies of Life - Ever heard of Plato or Aristotle? These are some of the philosophers of ethics and life. Here is another one; ever heard of Utilitarianism? Other than a rather long word, utilitarianism is another one of the greatest philosophies of life which discusses that the majority should always rule (the needs of many outweigh the needs of the few). These philosophies, as the name implies, focus upon human ethics and the philosophy behind life itself

Social, Political, and Legal - All systems of government are based upon some sort of political philosophy, whether it be a democratic, monarchial, or socialist form of government. Here in the United States for example, you may have heard of the phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" as being one of the core fundamentals of our country. Did you know, however, that this phrase is actually borrowed from philosopher John Locke's writings on the Social Contract? The English philosopher Locke believed that any just government should be based upon the principles of "life, liberty, and property," and that these should be the basic rights of all humankind. It is upon some of these main ideals that our goverment is based upon today.

Religion - Religion itself can often be viewed as its own philosophy. Every religion is based upon a core of ideals, much like most philosophy. As a matter of fact, several notable philosophers have been clergy. The philosophies of religion include arguments and proofs which have been given for the existance of God, and some of their failures.

Metaphysics - This final branch of philosophy deals not on issues in life, but rather on life itself. Metaphysics encompasses the question of being, or existence. Some of these ideals include empiricism (Lockean), which discusses that experience is the source of knowledge, and not logical reasoning (a profound statement for a philosopher, wouldn't you say?) and idealism.

Contrary to popular belief, philosophy IS NOT a collection of outdated books written years ago. The questions which plagued these humans are some of the same that we still ponder today, including the meaning of life, the role of government, and how one should live in society. By examining the works of these great thinkers, we can develop our own thoughts, ideals, and values. Truly, philosophy is a living, breathing study into life itself.

--Rishi Bagga, Cypress Creek High School