Philosophy is the critical examination of our most fundamental ideas about ourselves and the world. It asks questions such as the following: What is the nature and purpose of human life? How should we treat each other? What kind of society is best? What is our relation to nature? As individuals and as a culture, we have beliefs about these questions even if we do not always talk about them. Our beliefs influence the way we live, personally and socially. Philosophy tries to make these beliefs evident and open to examination, hoping thereby to improve ourselves and our community.