a question of philosophy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of philosophy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing topics or issues that pertain to philosophical inquiry or debate. Example: "The dilemma we face is not just a practical one; it is fundamentally a question of philosophy that challenges our understanding of ethics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was also a question of philosophy.

The New York Times

It is a question of philosophy and the dialectic that is shaping modern football.

The Guardian - Sport

What is going on here is not primarily a debate about military strategy, or the invasion of Communist power and ideology into the geography of the Western Hemisphere - though that's the way the Reagan Administration sees it - but a question of philosophy and where the danger lies.

The New York Times

Which brings us back to a question of philosophy.

TechCrunch

In reply, Arnauld says, "What was at the outset a question of philosophy … is not such for [Malebranche].

SEP

Today, "who am I?" isn't a question of philosophy but of data.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Reconsidering education as a central question of philosophy can facilitate seeing women thinkers as contributing centrally to philosophical projects.

SEP

As we know, this is a question of basic political philosophy.

Huffington Post

Heidegger's new beginning was, at the same time, a resumption of the basic question of philosophy: that concerning the meaning (Sinn) of Being.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Claudio Corallo, the only cocoa grower to also manufacture in São Tomé and Príncipe, says that it is a question of hard work and ultimately, philosophy.

The Guardian

Still, there is, of course, some question of philosophy here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing it with a more specific phrase if the philosophical aspect is narrow.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of philosophy" to describe simple matters of opinion or preference. Ensure the issue genuinely involves philosophical principles or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of philosophy" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a topic or issue as belonging to the domain of philosophical inquiry. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, from political strategy to personal identity, indicating its versatility in framing abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of philosophy" is a noun phrase used to categorize a topic as requiring philosophical analysis and thought. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase's formality is generally neutral to formal. When using it, ensure that the subject genuinely involves philosophical principles. Alternatives include "a philosophical matter" or "a philosophical issue". Overall, while not exceedingly common, the phrase is a valuable tool for framing discussions that delve into fundamental beliefs, ethics, and abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a philosophical matter

Replaces "question" with "matter", emphasizing the subject's nature.

a matter of philosophical inquiry

Specifies the type of question as one involving inquiry.

an issue of philosophical importance

Highlights the significance rather than framing it as a question.

a deep philosophical problem

Focuses on the complexity and profundity of the philosophical issue.

a core philosophical debate

Emphasizes the ongoing discussion and disagreement in philosophy.

a fundamental philosophical consideration

Highlights that something needs a basic philosophical thought.

a topic in philosophical discourse

Frames it as a subject within a broader conversation.

a subject of philosophical reflection

Highlights the act of contemplation and thought.

a philosophical puzzle

Emphasizes the perplexing nature.

a philosophical challenge

Highlights the difficulty and intellectual demand.

FAQs

How can I use "a question of philosophy" in a sentence?

Use "a question of philosophy" to introduce a topic that delves into fundamental beliefs, ethics, or abstract concepts requiring philosophical examination. For example, "The morality of artificial intelligence is "a question of philosophy"".

What can I say instead of "a question of philosophy"?

You can use alternatives like "a philosophical matter", "a philosophical issue", or "a philosophical enquiry" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a question of philosophy"?

It's appropriate when discussing subjects that require abstract thought, ethical considerations, or an understanding of fundamental beliefs. This often arises in debates about morality, existence, or knowledge.

What's the difference between "a question of philosophy" and "a matter of opinion"?

"A question of philosophy" involves deeper, more abstract concepts requiring analysis and reasoning, while "a matter of opinion" relies on personal preferences or beliefs without necessarily engaging philosophical principles. For example, whether chocolate or vanilla ice cream tastes better is a "a matter of opinion", but the nature of consciousness is "a question of philosophy".