Meaning & use
philosophies
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“philosophies” is a form of “philosophy”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Plural of philosophy: the study of ideas about knowledge, reality, and how we should live.
Grammar: Use with plural verbs: philosophies vary. The singular is philosophy.
Patterns
- the philosophies of Plato
- study philosophies
- compare philosophies
She is studying the philosophies of ancient Greece and Rome.
The course covers the philosophies of Kant and Hegel.
Different philosophies offer different answers to the question of what makes a life good.
nounplural
Plural of philosophy: a set of beliefs or attitudes that guide someone's behavior or work.
Grammar: Often followed by 'of' or 'on': the philosophies of the company; his philosophies on education.
Patterns
- someone's philosophies on something
- the philosophies of an organization
- different philosophies
The two managers have very different philosophies about how to treat employees.
Her philosophies on raising children are quite traditional.
The company's philosophies emphasize quality over speed.
Common combinations
- ancient philosophies
- Ancient philosophies still influence modern thought.
- political philosophies
- Their political philosophies differ sharply.
- management philosophies
- The book compares various management philosophies.
- philosophies of life
- People have different philosophies of life.
Synonyms and how they differ
- beliefs
- Beliefs are more general and can be religious or personal; philosophies often suggest a more systematic or thoughtful set of ideas.
- ideologies
- Ideologies are usually political or social systems of thought; philosophies can be broader or more individual.
Word family
- philosophy noun
- The singular form; the study or a particular system of ideas.
- philosopher noun
- A person who studies or writes about philosophy.
- philosophical adjective
- Relating to philosophy; also calm about problems.
- philosophically adverb
- In a way that relates to philosophy.
Commonly confused: philosophies or philology?
philosophies vs philology
Philology is the study of language and texts, not ideas about knowledge and reality.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'philosophies' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Philosophies' is the plural noun and is followed by 'about' to introduce the topic. 'Philosophy' is singular and would need 'a' or 'one'. 'Philosophies of life' is possible but less common than 'philosophies about life' in this context, and 'philosophies life' is missing a preposition.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “philosophies”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.