The word philosophy stems from two Greek words that, conjoined, may be translated as the love of wisdom.<br><br>To study philosophy is to strive after defensible views on the basic issues of knowledge and value. Philosophy challenges one to develop consistent and reasonable positions on such matters as the nature and scope of human knowledge, the grounds for moral and political principles, the character of religious belief, and the methods employed by both practical and theoretical sciences. This study encourages responsible, independent thought and action. And it widens one's experience by disclosing surprising alternatives to settled opinions and habitual beliefs.<br><br>Philosophy is not a substitute for study in other disciplines. Rather, study and knowledge of other fields is necessary for serious philosophy to take place. Physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, economics, history, theology, and cultural studies all provide important though incomplete perspectives. In philosophy, we attempt to assemble and arrange these perspectives to achieve a more complete understanding of reality. Thus, philosophy is not in competition with other disciplines but depends on them. Likewise, philosophy is essential to, and permeates, other disciplines.