There are three branches/fields/branches of philosophy viz;
- Metaphysics (Theory of reality)
- Epistemology; (Theory of knowledge)
- Axiology; (Theory of value)
Metaphysics (Theory of Reality)
Metaphysics is related to the search for ultimate truth. It investigates the nature of being and the world. It is concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world.
Metaphysics is made of two words ‘Meta’ and ‘physics’ where meta means ‘beyond’ and physics means ‘existence which cannot be perceived by senses’
In this way, metaphysics searches for the truth which may be beyond the natural existence. The main questions of metaphysics are;
- What is truth?
- What is nature?
- What is untrue?
- What is the soul?
- What is god?
- Who is the creator of this universe?
- How was the universe created? etc.
The main branches of metaphysics are ontology and cosmology. Ontology is the study of existence or ultimate reality. Similarly, cosmology is the metaphysical study of the origin and nature of the universe.
Epistemology; (Theory of Knowledge)
Epistemology is concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge and whether knowledge is possible. The main questions of epistemology are;
- What is knowledge?
- How is knowledge acquired?
- What do people know?
- How do we know what we know?
- Why do we know what we know?
It investigates the different ways of acquiring knowledge. The ways of acquiring knowledge has been classified into two types, i.e. empiricism and rationalism.
Empiricism believes that senses are gateway of knowledge. Rationalism believes cognition, reasoning, revelation and perception are the sources of knowledge.
Axiology (Theory of Value)
Axiology is a branch of philosophy deals with the study of values and value judgments. It investigates the knowledge related to human welfare among all eternal truths.
The main branches of axiology are ethics and aesthetics. Ethics studies a system of principles governing morality and acceptable conduct. Aesthetic differentiates between beautiful and not beautiful.
Summing up, metaphysics investigates the nature of being and the world. Likewise, metaphysics deals with the nature and scope of knowledge and whether knowledge is possible. Similarly, axiology deals with the study of values and value judgments.