Is philosophy valuable? In the United States of America many philosophy programs (and humanities programs more broadly) have seen their funding cut because it is not perceived to provide any concrete value. Drawing on specific points from the course readings, construct an argument defending the value of philosophy.

a) Yes, philosophy encourages critical thinking skills necessary for navigating complex ethical dilemmas.
b) No, philosophy is an outdated discipline with no practical applications.
c) Yes, philosophy fosters creativity and innovation through exploring abstract concepts.
d) No, philosophy is too esoteric and detached from real-world problems.