Abstract

Abstract:

This essay addresses the nature of philosophy and its role in the education of citizens and their critical discussions about public issues. Because philosophical study develops perspectives and critiques of fundamental human values and behaviors it can help us stop fragmenting our knowledge and cultural resources. When we fail to use these resources, our investigations fall into the quicksand of simple-minded answers to complex problems. In truth, can issues like war and peace, abortion, trade, environmental pollution, genetic engineering, and space exploration be critically discussed without some awareness of how knowledge is created and contested?

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