What exactly are the aims and values of Philosophy?

I've enrolled myself into a philosophy subject at school, and I'm finding it hard to understand what it's about. Sometimes I think I get it, and other times I find myself thinking "what is this??".. So I have some questions:

What are some examples of problems or issues that philosophers investigate? Does philosophy try to achieve bigger thought? Deep thought? Is philosophy just about "thinking outside the box"? What do people mean when they ask "how do the aims and values of philosophy make it different from other areas of inquiry"? If I'm right about the whole thinking thing, does that mean it frees us from having one sided opinions and thought processes?

What differentiates philosophy from bull pooping about something? I really struggle with the subject.. I mean, how can the study of philosophy benefit the world today? Considering it was such a major thing so, so many years ago? How can it complement our study of other subjects? I continuously have my class mates telling me this.

Any bit of help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.