A system of methods and principles used for conducting research or achieving a particular goal.
From Greek methodos meaning 'way of investigation' (meta- 'after' + hodos 'way') + -logy meaning 'study of'. Coined in the 19th century as scientific thinking became more systematic.
This relatively modern word captures humanity's transition from intuitive to systematic thinking - it's essentially 'the study of how to study.' The Greek roots reveal that even ancient scholars understood the importance of having a 'way after the way,' a structured approach to discovery.
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