In "The Colloquium of the Dogs," Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra explores the concept of philosophy through a dialogue between characters. One character explains that philosophy derives from two Greek words: "Philos," meaning love, and "Sofia," meaning wisdom or science. This etymology indicates that a philosopher is someone who loves knowledge and understanding. This insight reflects the deep connection between emotional passion and the pursuit of learning.
The exchange highlights how knowledge is not just an academic pursuit but also an expression of love for intellectual exploration. The question of how one learns such terms points to the broader theme of education and the sharing of wisdom among characters. Cervantes uses this dialogue to illustrate the joy and importance of engaging with philosophical concepts in life.