Philosophy (from Greek philo "love" + sophia "wisdom") is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and reality.

On the path of knowledge, philosophy is:

• A tool for inquiry, not an end in itself

• Distinguished from direct knowledge

• Useful for clarifying concepts

• Limited by the intellect

The path of knowledge goes beyond philosophy by requiring direct verification through direct experience.

See also epistemology, ontology, ethics, aesthetics.