Philosophy - Helen Beebee

We constantly disagree with each other on issues of fundamental importance. Does God exist? Should the latest scientific findings be trusted? Arethere innate psychological differences between men and women?

In four lively chapters,Beebee and Rush explain philosophy's role in addressingsuchquestions. They consider what it means to be human, how we should engage inpublic debate, philosophy's relationship with science and religion,and the nature of our moral choices. Far from being only an abstract endeavour, philosophy engages withissues on apractical level, and philosophers draw inspiration fromreal-life situations. At its core, philosophy is about how to live andhow to make sense of the world we inhabit. It is a set of tools andtechniques for clearly and systematically considering our argumentsand uncovering our hidden assumptions, which helps us to makemore informed choices about what to believe and how to act. Philosophyis everywhere, and open to everyone.