Full Idea
The traditional conception of philosophy is that it is an a priori enquiry into the most general facts about reality.
Clarification
'A priori' means done by pure thinking, rather than practical research
Gist of Idea
Traditionally philosophy is an a priori enquiry into general truths about reality
Source
Jerrold J. Katz (Realistic Rationalism [2000], Int.xi)
Book Reference
Katz,Jerrold J.: 'Realistic Rationalism' [MIT 2000], p.-24
A Reaction
I think this still defines philosophy, though it also highlights the weakness of the subject, which is over-confidence about asserting necessary truths. How could the most god-like areas of human thought be about anything else?