The 3 Big Questions Philosophy Tries to Answer

We all ask questions.

Some about life. Some about love. Some just random, like "Why do socks disappear in the washing machine?" 

But beneath all the noise, there are three big questions that have shaped human thinking for centuries.

Whether it’s ancient Greece, Islamic Golden Age, or today’s university classrooms — philosophy keeps returning to these same puzzles.

And today, let’s explore them. Slowly. Humanly.

❓1. What is Real?:

This is the most basic — and the most mysterious.

Is this world real?

Are we dreaming?

What is time, space, and existence?

Can we trust our senses?

This area is called Metaphysics — sounds fancy, but it simply means:

“What exists? And what’s the nature of that existence?”

Even in Islam, we find this explored — the idea of ghayb (unseen world), the soul, the afterlife.

So when a philosopher asks, "Is the soul real?" — a Muslim replies, "Yes, but not like a body."

Two worlds. Two layers. Both real.

🧭 2. How Should We Live?:

The second question is about life. Right and wrong. Good and evil.

What is a good life?

Is happiness the goal?

Is lying always bad?

Should I follow rules or my heart?

This is the field of Ethics — and every person lives by some version of it, even if they don’t realise.

Islamic thinkers like Al-Ghazali spoke deeply about the heart, intention, and sincerity.

Western thinkers like Aristotle talked about virtues like courage, patience, justice.

At the end, we all ask:

 “Am I doing the right thing?”

And that’s philosophy too.

🔍 3. How Do We Know Anything?:

This one goes deep.

You look at the world — and then ask:

 “How do I even know what I know?”

This is called Epistemology — the study of knowledge itself.

Can we trust our brain?

Are feelings a valid source of truth?

What about dreams, or revelation?

Is science the only way?

Islamic scholars balanced 'Aql (reason) with Wahi (revelation).

They asked: where does true knowledge come from?

Even Imam Abu Hanifa used logic to defend his beliefs in early debates.

So if you’ve ever doubted, reflected, or tried to find truth…

Guess what? You’re already a philosopher.

💬 Why These 3 Matter So Much:

Here’s the beautiful thing:

These aren’t just textbook topics.

Every time you sit alone and wonder:

“What’s the point of life?”

“Why did this happen?”

“What should I do now?”

...you’re entering the world of philosophy.

These questions are not just for professors.

They’re for real people, with real lives, and real pain.

🌱 What’s Coming Next?:

In the next post, we’ll go back in time and ask:

 “Where did philosophy begin — and why?”

We’ll travel from ancient deserts to Greek islands, from Qur’anic ayahs to Aristotle’s logic.

So if your mind is curious and your heart is open... stay with me.

We're just getting started.