Democracy, tolerance, fairness, trust, respect, conversation, self, society, individualism, collectivism, autonomy... these are things that, as youth workers, we all talk about. And we all think we know what we mean. But do we agree with each other? And does it matter? It is the conversations (words) we have and the meanings (ideas) that we help young people create in their lives that define us. But, if we are not precise in our arguments, and questioning about the assumptions behind our ideas and language, we risk leaving young people unable to reason, and as a result - in danger of being taken in by rhetoric, slogans, false promises and propaganda. This book shows - in measured, careful language how we can explore the assumptions behind our work. It raises questions about the values we should hold in relating to each other, the nature of these relationships, and what it is to be a person in society. It: helps workers at all levels - and young people dig deeper and ask questions about who creates knowledge that is offered to them; encourages a diversity of philosophical outlook; helps us understand the tensions that do arise in our work, and appreciate its coherence