Metaphysics. A branch of philosophy that explores the nature of reality, including questions about mind and body, space and time, causation, and the existence of God and the soul.

Ethics. A branch of philosophy that examines questions of what is right and wrong, good and evil, and just and unjust. Ethics protects and asserts the principles of right action.

Epistemology. A branch of philosophy that examines theories of knowledge, including questions about how we know what we know and what counts as knowledge at any given time.

Philosophy of Science. A branch of philosophy that overlaps in part with epistemology and metaphysics and addresses the nature of scientific knowledge. Philosophy of Science questions the assumptions, foundations, methodologies, and implications of science and scientific results.

Social and Political Philosophy. The study of people’s relationship to society, including the role of the state in relation to its citizens and the rights and responsibilities of citizens in that state. Political philosophy is different from political ideology, which is a belief system.

Aesthetics. The branch of philosophy that is concerned with the nature, perception, and study of art and beauty.