- Theoretical philosophies focus on abstract ideas.
Metaphysics
- Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that studies the principles and nature of reality and existence. This includes abstract concepts such as being, knowing, time and space.
- Metaphysics shouldn't be confused with science, which studies things that exist.
- Metaphysics asks questions such as "What is the meaning of life?", "Do we have free will", "Do souls or minds exist or are we just matter" and "What is time?".
Epistemology
- Epistemology is the theory of knowledge and it studies our knowledge, beliefs and the truth.
- It is concerned with the relation of the mind to reality.
- Epistemology studies how our mind functions and how it interprets reality as well as the limitations of knowledge.
- Deals with issues of knowledge, truth, reason and faith.
- Epistemology exists to question whether the things we believe or think we know are actually true.
- Epistemology asks questions like "Do absolutes exist, and if so, can we know them?" and "What is the relationship between faith and reason?".