The philosophical method, or philosophical methodology, is a study of how philosophy is done, and a way in which philosophers tend to address philosophical questions. There is more than one way used by philosophers to answer those questions. The main elements of philosophical methods include asking questions that involve methodic doubt or skepticism, as well as making and presenting arguments for other philosophers’ criticism.
In my opinion, everyone has used philosophical methods at some point in their lives, because all people ask questions about the universe and our place in it; in other words, all people are philosophers to some extent. I use the philosophical method when I reflect on some issues that bother or interest me. To find a solution to some problems or make choice in some situations, I have to first formulate a clear question about the issue, using logic and analytical reasoning.
Sometimes the answer to that question requires other questions to be asked, and in that manner, I create a sequence of questions that eventually lead me to some answers, which sometimes seem to be correct. I try to apply skepticism to those seemingly correct answers too, and often get more than one answer to a question.
When the questions are abstract and universal, I try to test them against other worldviews to see how those questions and answers fit into other general and scientific conceptions of the universe. Such an approach can give a clearer view of my own concepts. Although methods used by others may differ from the one I have described, I believe that most of the steps I follow are common for all people who choose or have to engage in such reflections and discussions.