differences in definitions

I recently attended a small group based on The Truth Project curriculum, where the video presenter pointed out how the word philosophy has undergone changes in definition in modern times.

So, I grabbed out my copy (yes, I really do have one, reprinted, of course) of the 1828 Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language.

In addition to other items, the definition for philosophy includes:

- The literal definition, "the love of wisdom". those that have studied Greek or been to Philadelphia will recognize "phileo" as love and "sophi" as wisdom.

- The statement, "The objects of philosophy are to ...... enlarge our views of God and his works, and to render our knowledge of both practically useful and subservient to human happiness."

- The quote by S.S. Smith that, "True religion and true philosophy must ultimately arrive at the same principle.".

I also have a copy of the 1983 Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, a considerably newer version of the old Webster's. In it, I found neither a literal translation/definition of what the word meant nor any reference to God being involved in any way in of philosophy.

We live in a considerably different world than our forefathers did in 1828. In many ways , it is so much better. For instance, we can now communicate easily with people all over the world. It was a much more difficult task one hundred and eighty years ago. However, I am concerned that we, as a society, might have much less to say that is actually relevant to life.