I generally don't think of philosophy in a scientific way, I do think of it as an abstract form of thinking, but eastern or not, I think of philosophy as a means of expanding one's own awareness and accessing higher planes of thought and wisdom. When I posted the thread I actuallly was curious as to the answer. I've heard the question before and often contemplated it, but the definition wicked posted seems to have cleared it up a bit. After reading that I understand the question better and can say I know the answer. :-)