What is philosophy?

This is the central question that philosophers have studied, debated, and hypothesized about since its roots took hold in ancient Greece.  My personal definition in response to the question I have posed is this: Philosophy is a close examination of the human condition that contributes to ones knowledge and understanding of the world.  From the knowledge I have gathered from Platos Republic, the art of philosophy involves a very complex process, achieving its objectives…(short extract)