Which term refers to the love of wisdom and the study of the underlying principles governing various aspects of life?

The term that refers to the love of wisdom and the study of the underlying principles governing various aspects of life is philosophy. Philosophy encompasses a broad range of inquiries into fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It is an overarching discipline that delves into the nature of reality and our understanding of the world, often seeking to discover and articulate the principles that define human experience and knowledge.

Philosophy invites critical thinking and reflection, allowing individuals to explore profound concepts such as ethics, aesthetics, and logic, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of not just human thought but also the structures that guide behavior and societal norms. This widespread examination of life's principles distinguishes philosophy from terms like theory, model, or method, which have more specific applications within structured frameworks or practices rather than an overarching inquiry into wisdom itself.