At first glance, it would appear that such study has little application in the real world. Yet, philosophy shapes modern existence. Unlocking the secrets of knowledge acquisition is the primary concern of passionate educators of young people around the globe. Logic forms the basis of all computer technology, as more precise programming commands increase computing speed and efficiency. Ethics plays a major role in medicine, law and foreign policy. Indeed, the hottest debates surrounding the issues of our time—abortion, capital punishment, welfare, environmentalism, torture and end-of-life care—all stem from philosophical questions.