My friends have keen interests in philosophy and whenever it's brought up, I have to shamefully surrender to "I don't know." But no longer, these are the most important/brought up philosophers/philosophy, their studies and what they infer the world to be. 1. Plato - There is a higher non-physical realm of abstract, perfect forms and the physical world is 'imperfect copies'. The good is objective and absolute and a good life is aligning with virtue. Truth is found in rationality. 2. Aristotle - Everything in reality is 'substances with purpose' (teleology). A good life should flourish (eudaimonia) achieved through cultivating virtues, reason with the world through logic and observation 3. Utilitarianism - Overall naturalistic, the morally right action maximizes overall happiness and reduces suffering. Become a consequentialist in reasoning. 4. Kantianism (similar to deontology) - We cannot know ultimate reality (noumena), only appearances (phenomena). Morality stems from rational duty, act only on rules you will to be universal laws. 5. Existentialism - No universal meaning to reality, you must create your own values. You reason based on your experiences rather than abstract systems. 6. Stoicism - Universe is ordered by logos, control what you can and accept what you can't. Virtue is good. 7. Materialism (Physicalism) - Everything is physical (wow). Closely linked with secular humanism - science is the primary path to truth. 8. Dualism - Mental and physical substance are distinct, often tied to religious frameworks. cogito, ergo sum (such a cold line) 9. Nihilism - life sucks, has no purpose, you get over it after college or not. 10. Pragmatism - Truth is found when they have practical consequences. Am I missing the point of philosophy, yes, is it bad to look at philosophy in this way, not really. feel free to correct anything or add anything