自然哲学, or "natural philosophy," is a branch of philosophy that explores the nature of the physical world. It seeks to understand the fundamental principles governing the universe, often blending scientific inquiry with philosophical reasoning. Historically, it laid the groundwork for modern sciences like physics, biology, and chemistry. In ancient times, thinkers such as Aristotle and Plato contributed significantly to自然哲学 by examining concepts like matter, motion, and causality. This discipline emphasizes observation and rational thought, aiming to explain natural phenomena through logical frameworks rather than purely empirical methods.