What Philosophy Can Do

**A leading American philosopher brings the tools of his trade to contentious contemporary debates.** Why are today's political debates so polarized*?* Why does scientific research on happiness not make us happier? Are there convincing reasons to believe--or not believe--in God? *In What Philosophy Can Do,* Gary Gutting leaves the ivory tower to tackle difficult questions in everyday life and shows how philosophy can be used as a method for interrogating our world--and one another.  
In each chapter, Gutting takes up one of the most powerful-- and divisive--forces in our society: politics, science, religion, art, and capitalism--and applies a philosopher's scalpel to reveal more thoughtful ways to look at often vexing issues. Along the way he introduces readers to the powerful analytical tools, from inductive and deductive logic to the principle of charity, that they can apply to news events and policy debates. In doing so, Gutting underlines philosophy's great promise for enriching public discussions about the most important issues in human life.Read less