Other investigations closely related to art, science, politics, or other pursuits remained part of

philosophy. For example, is beautyobjective or subjective?[18][19] Are there many scientific methods or
just one?[20] Is political utopia a hopeful dream or hopeless fantasy?[21][22][23] Major sub-fields of
academic philosophy include metaphysics ("concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and
being"),[24] epistemology (about the "nature and grounds of knowledge [and]...its limits and
validity" [25]), ethics, aesthetics,political philosophy, logic, philosophy of science and the history of
Western philosophy.

Since the 20th century, professional philosophers contribute to society primarily as professors,
researchers and writers. However, many of those who study philosophy in undergraduate or
graduate programs contribute in the fields of law, journalism, politics, religion, science, business and
various art and entertainment activities.[26]