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PHIL 440 - Philosophy and Public Life: Getting Started

This guide identifies library resources to support your research related to Philosophy 440 course work.

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy encompasses the study of many fundamental aspects of our lives and the world that surrounds us, including the nature of reality, of knowledge, of morality, and of the relationship between the mind and the body.

The word 'philosophy ' comes from the Greek φιλοσοφία (philosophia), which means 'love of wisdom.' 

Philosophical questions (unlike those of the sciences) are usually foundational and abstract in nature. Philosophy is done primarily through reflection and does not tend to rely on experiment, although the methods used to study philosophy may be analogous to those used in the study of the natural sciences.

References
1.  "Philosophy" in Oxford Reference. Viewed 29 Jun 2020.  https://www.oxfordreference.com/page/philosophy

2. "What is philosophy?", The Basics of Philosophy, 29 Jun 2020 <http://www.philosophybasics.com/general_whatis.html>

Related LibGuides

For philosophy topics that overlap with other disciplines, check out these related LibGuides.

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Philosophy at USD

Want to learn more about philosophy at USD? 

Check out the USD Philosophy Department's website.

Philosophy Librarian

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Kathleen McElhinney
Contact:
USD ULB 130E
605/658-3370
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