Philosophy is all about the here and now -- we help students develop the reasoning and analytical skills necessary to grapple with real-world contemporary problems. The analytic and critical skills students develop as a result of grappling with philosophical problems are applicable to decisions that must be made, for example, in industry, debates on public policy, medical ethics, law, and education. On a more personal level, the study of philosophy can help you to understand yourself as a thinking, acting being. Socrates said that ''the unexamined life is not worth living.'' He meant especially to include self-examination.