Ideas about philosophy, life, and the human condition
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Meaning of Life: 14 Philosophers on Happiness, Purpose, and Meaningful Living
A concise and accessible overview of key ideas.
Current Thinkers: Jordan Peterson, Elon Musk, Robert Greene
Critically examine the ideas of three influential current thinkers.
Online Philosophy Encyclopedia
Articles on philosophers and topics, A-Z. Free articles on a wide range of subjects to help you learn about philosophy. Unlike many philosophy encyclopedias, books and websites, we make a point of examining how ideas are relevant to life.
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Topics and Philosophers Index, A-Z
Getting started
Here is a quick survey of some of the most popular philosophical ideas and articles if you’re getting started with philosophy.
Plato
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is a metaphor illustrating his theory that there’s a difference between the world of appearances and the world of forms.
Aristotle
Aristotle’s view of “eudaimonia,” often translated as “happiness” or “flourishing.” Rather than a fleeting feeling of happiness or pleasure, Aristotle believed that eudaimonia is achieved through the cultivation of virtues such as courage, wisdom, kindness, and justice. His Golden Mean is the idea that virtue is the balance between extremes of excess and deficiency.
Stoicism
Stoicism’s universal reason (logos) is the idea that the universe is organized according to a rational structure that can be discerned by human reason. Memento mori is the Stoic practice of contemplating mortality to appreciate life and remain humble. Apatheia is the ideal Stoic state of being emotionally detached from disruptive passions and emotions.
Epicureanism
Epicureans advocate hedonism, the view that pleasure is the highest good and the primary pursuit of life. But for Epicureans, the pleasures worth pursuing are limited – they advise modest and simple living to achieve pleasure and avoid unnecessary desires.
Buddhist philosophy
Buddhist philosophy advocates the practice of mindfulness, which is the practice of maintaining a present-centered awareness in each moment. Buddhist sunyata (emptiness) is the doctrine that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence.
Hegel
Hegel saw history as progress, reflecting the development of human freedom and rationality. His view of ethical Life (Sittlichkeit) was that true freedom is not found in isolated individualism but in living according to shared values, traditions, and institutions that represent the moral fabric of a community.
Kierkegaard
Kierkegaard claimed that belief in God hinges on a subjective leap of faith, beyond rational evidence and logic. In valuing of Socratic ignorance, he emphasized the importance of recognizing the limits of one’s knowledge.
Nietzsche
Nietzsch’s eternal recurrence challenges individuals to live authentically and embrace their existence by supposing that their lives might repeat in an endless loop. He uses the idea of the herd as part of his critique of societal conformity and “mediocrity,” where individuals surrender their autonomy to collective norms.
Schopenhauer
Negative happiness is Schopenhauer’s idea that true happiness is achieved through the absence of pain, rather than the pursuit of pleasure. Schopenhauer advocated asceticism, a lifestyle characterized by self-denial and abstaining from indulgence, which he saw as a path to minimize suffering.
Existentialism
Existence precedes essence is the existentialist idea that individuals create their own essence or nature through actions, rather than being defined by pre-existing concepts. Existentialists emphasize the idea of alienation, the feeling of being isolated or estranged from one’s own life, society, or both.
Meaning of life
For a survey of 14 influential philosophers on the meaning of life, read Meaning of Life: Philosophy and the Meaningful Life.
Common questions about the philosophy of life
Answers to help you get started.
What is the philosophy of life?
The philosophy of life refers to a person’s overall outlook, principles, and beliefs that guide their actions and decisions. It encompasses questions about existence, purpose, ethics, and the nature of happiness and fulfillment.
Why does the philosophy of life matter?
A well-defined philosophy of life can provide clarity and direction, helping individuals navigate complex moral and existential questions. It can also aid in making consistent decisions and finding a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
How can I learn about the philosophy of life?
There are many ways to explore the philosophy of life, including reading philosophical texts, engaging in discussions and debates, taking courses in philosophy, and reflecting on personal experiences and values.
What are some key themes in the philosophy of life?
Some key themes include the nature of happiness, the meaning of existence, the principles of ethics and moral behavior, the role of free will and determinism, and the concept of self-identity.
How does one’s philosophy of life change over time?
An individual’s philosophy of life can evolve with new experiences, knowledge, and insights. Personal growth, challenges, and reflection often lead to a deeper understanding and refinement of one’s beliefs and values.
Can the philosophy of life influence mental health?
Having a coherent and meaningful philosophy of life could positively impact mental health by providing a sense of purpose, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression, and enhancing overall well-being.
Are there universal truths in the philosophy of life?
While some philosophical beliefs and principles may be widely accepted, the philosophy of life is highly subjective and influenced by cultural, personal, and contextual factors.
How can I apply my philosophy of life in everyday situations?
Applying your philosophy of life involves aligning your actions and decisions with your core beliefs and values. This can be done by regularly reflecting on your principles, making mindful choices, and striving to act in ways that are true to your philosophy.