Major branches of philosophy are epistemology, ethics, logic, and metaphysics. Epistemology studies what knowledge is and how to acquire it. Ethics investigates moral principles and what constitutes right conduct. Logic is the study of correct reasoning and explores how good arguments can be distinguished from bad ones.

Philosophy is normally divided into four major branches, namely: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Logic, and Ethics.

They include: Metaphysics: The study of reality and existence. Epistemology: The investigation of knowledge and belief. Ethics: The exploration of morality and what makes actions right or wrong. Logic: The rules for constructing and evaluating arguments. Aesthetics: Reflection on art and beauty.

Traditionally metaphysics sets the questions for philosophy. Epistemology asks how do we know? Ethics and politics have to do with action and quality of life. Aesthetics or value theory has to do with beauty, balance, and harmony. Logic has to do with the relations of things.

For coverage of the particular branches of Western philosophy, see aesthetics; epistemology; ethics; ideology; logic; metaphysics; philosophical anthropology; philosophy of biology; philosophy of education; philosophy of history; philosophy of language; philosophy of law; philosophy of logic; philosophy of mathematics; philosophy of mind ; philosophy of physics; philosophy of religion; philosophy of science.