episodic The world needs more philosophy.

More to the point, we all need to engage with the world with a more philosophical attitude.

My name is Douglas Giles, I am a philosopher by trade and temperament. I understand that philosophy is an active search for concepts on which we can build a better life. Long fascinated by ideas, I am motivated by an earnest desire to bring philosophy out of its insular ivory tower and into everyday life where it can be put to good uses. 

As a university philosophy professor for more than 20 years, I have introduced thousands of students in multiple countries to the value of philosophy in their lives. From my teaching experience, I have learned what works for students, leading me to write a textbook, How We Are and How We Got Here: A Practical History of Western Philosophy.

My scholarly research has built on my PhD work in social philosophy at the University of Essex. Because I apply a phenomenological approach to the lived experiences and actions of individuals, groups, and social and political institutions, my research helps us better understand social injustices and how people respond to them. My work also explores the intersection of philosophy and culture and the construction and maintenance of personal identities and social meanings.

I greatly value and facilitate discussion that digs deeper into holistic and meaningful ideas that deal with causes not symptoms. I started writing content for the Internet in 1994 and now produces my own Web site, InsertPhilosophyHere.com, podcasts, and video channels. Because I value the individual person, I encourage people to seek openness and authenticity in themselves and others.

Also, I have been a radio disc jockey since 1997 and since 2003 have managed the Internet radio station WorldFusionRadio.com. In 2018, I moved to Prague with my spouse, a professional editor.

]]> Adding philosophical depth to anything and everything. Insert Philosophy Here Douglas Giles Insert Philosophy Here false Insert Philosophy Here douglas@insertphilosophyhere.com en https://insertphilosophyhere.com I am no longer updating this podcast. I will continue with two new podcasts at my Substack account, "Douglas Giles, PhD w/o BS/" Please join me there: https://substack.com/@dgilesphd

]]> Transitioning to Two New Podcasts Transitioning to Two New Podcasts 00:00:43 9fba01c6-a910-476d-9a20-142cd243f1c6 Douglas Giles 101 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/transitioning-to-two-new-podcasts Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:00:33 +0000 I've moved to a new podcast: https://dgilesphd.substack.com/podcast

The real tragedy is that what Trump does is normal in the context of US history. Today, I will talk about Trump’s return to the US’s normal foreign policy doctrine for Latin America.

Text version on my Substack: https://imnotyourechochamber.substack.com/p/theres-nothing-new-in-trump-foreign

Links to more reading:

“The Banana Wars: How the US Plundered Central America.” https://www.thecollector.com/the-banana-wars-how-the-us-plundered-central-america/

“U.S. interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean haven’t always gone as planned.” https://www.npr.org/2026/01/02/nx-s1-5652133/us-venezuela-interventionism-caribbean-latin-america-history-trump

“American Irregular Warfare in Latin America.” This is an arm of the Defense Department acknowledging the history of US colonialism. https://irregularwarfarecenter.org/publications/perspectives/american-irregular-warfare-in-latin-america/

“The consequences of CIA-sponsored regime change in Latin America.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0176268023000964

“United States Interventions.” https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/united-states-interventions/

“The Banana Wars: A History of United States Military Intervention in Latin America from the Spanish-American War to the Invasion of Panama.” https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3751&context=nwc-review

Elbridge Colby - https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/elbridge-colby-trump-china-iran-nuclear-russia-tucker-carlson

#Politics #project2025 #colonialism

]]> There's Nothing New in Trump - Foreign Policy There's Nothing New in Trump - Foreign Policy 00:06:04 237a3e0e-a541-4ada-98ff-f2dfa9944bf7 Douglas Giles 100 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/theres-nothing-new-in-trump-foreign-policy Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:27:16 +0000 I've moved to a new podcast: https://dgilesphd.substack.com/podcast

For years I had kept one foot in academia; I’ve now taken that foot out and can walk freely

]]> Why I Quit Academia Why I Quit Academia 00:15:18 c62ba8ba-019e-436d-af44-9fcc9f88565b Douglas Giles 99 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/why-i-quit-academia Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:47:16 +0000 Many people feel that philosophy is not relevant to their lives. That feeling is completely mistaken, but it’s understandable how someone could come to feel that way. Philosophy isn’t dead, but most philosophers are — not just those people writing papers for academic journals but also those teaching philosophy courses.

My Philosophy Textbook Showing Philosophy As Very Much Alive


]]> People Who Dislike Philosophy See the Graveyard but Not the Village in Which It Sits People Who Dislike Philosophy See the Graveyard but Not the Village in Which It Sits 00:08:15 e9ddc153-bc52-4fd4-8663-3b625619e4f3 Douglas Giles 98 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/people-who-dislike-philosophy-see-the-graveyard-but-not-the-village-in-which-it-sits Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:17:27 +0000 I've moved to a new podcast: https://dgilesphd.substack.com/podcast

Failing Our Students. Part 1: The two cursed cohorts have reached college and they are struggling and the system is failing them. Part 2: Corporatization is diluting higher education. Link mentioned in the episode. Rethinking the Generations

]]> Failing Our Students: The COVID Microgeneration and Corporatization Failing Our Students: The COVID Microgeneration and Corporatization 00:15:05 c071daee-2354-4858-bde1-d1e6cbcb1d91 Douglas Giles 97 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-covid-microgeneration-has-reached-college Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:40:14 +0000 Right-wing politicians, including Donald Trump this week at the United Nations, stoke fear and hate against immigrants. Let’s replace black and white thinking with the many colors of reality.

#Immigration #HumanRights

]]> Am I One of those Immigrants Right-Wing Politicians Want You to Hate? Am I One of those Immigrants Right-Wing Politicians Want You to Hate? 00:20:50 3f60fc27-102f-400b-bb0a-6cd12d6468cd Douglas Giles 96 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/am-i-one-of-those-immigrants-right-wing-politicians-want-you-to-hate Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:13:39 +0000 And you may ask, “How could you say that Charlie Kirk is a coward? Didn’t he frequently speak in public?” Good question.

Charlie Kirk wasn’t a coward for speaking in public; Charlie Kirk was a coward because of why he was speaking in public.

Links mentioned in the episode.

#Philosophy #Politics #Education #Prejudice #Extremism #Reactionary

]]> The Cowardice of Charlie Kirk The Cowardice of Charlie Kirk 00:16:15 26a0742d-773a-4bf8-9ab1-a8596b4d9342 Douglas Giles 95 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-cowardice-of-charlie-kirk Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:35:07 +0000 What precedes hate is fear and the psychological inability to cope with fear. Hate is a symptom of giving in to the fear of those who are different and choosing to hide behind false views of other people rather than face the reality of how others actually are. Understanding hatred in this way gives clarity to many things.

]]> The Precursor to Hate The Precursor to Hate 00:13:38 1177c1b6-9173-4eaa-8db6-1e46ddef146f Douglas Giles 94 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-precursor-to-hate Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:03:17 +0000 Let’s go beyond the schadenfreude of watching MAGA having a conniption over Pam Bondi covering up the Epstein files. Instead of having a watch party hoping to see some kind of anti-Trump revolt, and breathlessly keeping score of every statement made by people about Epstein, Bondi, and Trump like its some kind of sick sports game, let’s dig a little deeper.

What Lurks Behind Conspiracy Theories

Why Trump? Book

]]> What the Epstein Files Tell Us about the Right Wing What the Epstein Files Tell Us about the Right Wing 00:14:25 ab428901-ee66-4612-b2ea-7f3ae37b7d5f Douglas Giles 93 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/what-the-epstein-files-tell-us-about-the-right-wing Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:00:48 +0000 I spent most of May and June traveling through the United States. I grew up there, but I've lived in Europe since 2012. This trip was my longest stint returning to America. These are my thoughts and observations.

]]> Philosophical Observations from My Travels in America Philosophical Observations from My Travels in America 00:30:38 7ba5bd4d-f7ac-4fd2-ba62-9f4f7cae93d0 Douglas Giles 92 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/philosophical-observations-from-my-travels-on-the-us Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:30:53 +0000 I've moved to a new podcast: https://dgilesphd.substack.com/podcast

Bergson was once the most famous philosopher in the world; today, his still applicable insights are now unfairly neglected.

#philosophy #science #experience #time

]]> The Forgotten Brilliance of Henri Bergson The Forgotten Brilliance of Henri Bergson 00:15:06 6b53664c-7c51-4cd0-bac8-766e5505b763 Douglas Giles 91 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-forgotten-brilliance-of-henri-bergson Fri, 09 May 2025 17:45:50 +0000 Good, evil, quality, exploitation, beauty, depravity — it’s all here. A philosopher looks at the dark and bright side of alcohol. Obviously, one does not need to drink alcohol to have a good time, but the connection between alcohol and social occasions is one of the strongest elements of human society.

Mentioned: The History of Beer and Brewing in Chicago.

]]> A Philosophy of Alcohol A Philosophy of Alcohol 00:12:16 fb79fff5-c868-4614-9340-8b4a7e8d0561 Douglas Giles 90 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/a-philosophy-of-alcohol Thu, 24 Apr 2025 18:47:51 +0000 Our education system is still dominated by a model developed over 180 years ago. Until we break out of that model, we will not be a society that can be everything that it can be because our educational system is not everything it should be.

#HigherEducation #Pedagogy

]]> What's Really Wrong with Education and How to Actually Fix It What's Really Wrong with Education and How to Actually Fix It 00:32:29 106bfbfd-093d-425f-bdd3-ecc981ca2708 Douglas Giles 89 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/whats-really-wrong-with-education-and-how-to-actually-fix-it Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:25:39 +0000 . . . is the reality of our existence.

Many arguments are pointless. Is the Earth round or flat? Pointless argument — the answer is clear and has been clear for millennia. Do human beings have free will or are they determined? Also a pointless argument — the answer is clear and has been clear for millennia.


]]> Between the Absurdities of "I Create My Own Reality" and "You Are Determined" Between the Absurdities of "I Create My Own Reality" and "You Are Determined" 00:21:28 f8c20567-cdf3-49d9-a03e-0d530e6b9057 Douglas Giles 88 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/between-the-absurdities-of-i-create-my-own-reality-and-you-are-determined Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:39:09 +0000 There are some people and channels who offer nothing but outrage porn, They are part of the Fake Left: people who offer not positive principles but opposition to the Right. The Fake Left and its outrage porn help the right wing in its takeover of the US. #Politics #Philosophy #Project2025 #Trump #maga

]]> How Meidas Touch & the Fake Left Help Trump How Meidas Touch & the Fake Left Help Trump 00:13:17 3b3d4feb-a24c-42fa-b3b4-404e25c987ee Douglas Giles 87 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/how-meidas-touch-the-fake-left-help-trump Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:45:31 +0000 Deconstructing a source of prejudice. Though a useful concept in its proper context, toxic masculinity is best understood as an expression of an underlying sense of identity clung to by some males. It is this juvenile, testosterone-fueled identity that is at the base of so much man-child behavior. To describe that identity, I will adopt a term that most people will have heard, but that is underutilized — “the bros.”

Living Colour - Glamour Boys


]]> The Problem Isn’t Men, It’s Bros The Problem Isn’t Men, It’s Bros 00:22:08 3691b358-2810-4bce-8d81-4b7f5c7c0a0b Douglas Giles 86 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-problem-isnt-men-its-bros Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:18:32 +0000 We are now 20 minutes into the future, next Sunday AD.

  • MST3K article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_Science_Theater_3000
  • Why Trump" Book: https://dgilesauthor.com/why-trump/
]]> Three TV Predictions That Are Now True Three TV Predictions That Are Now True 00:15:18 69650f30-48a6-4fd7-8659-d3ed463b9f63 Douglas Giles 85 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/three-tv-predictions-that-are-now-true Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:13:03 +0000 I’m giving neither a prediction nor a hope, but this is an issue we do well to contemplate. Eschewing platitudes and cliches, let’s look at what would happen if Trump dies tomorrow.

Referenced: Why Trump?

]]> What If Trump Dies Tomorrow? What If Trump Dies Tomorrow? 00:09:55 f359fef4-a7ad-4226-83fe-69fa3c7af7cf Douglas Giles 84 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/what-if-trump-dies-tomorrow Thu, 30 Jan 2025 18:52:28 +0000 Trigger Warning! Sacred cows are toppled in this podcast!!!

Jordan Peterson, Slavoj Žižek, and Noam Chomsky--Three Pied Pipers of doom and gloom. This is a breed of philosophers who, when reading their works, I understand what they are saying, but I see no point in what they are saying. I’ve become convinced that the intention of this breed of philosophers is not to make a point, but merely to fling rhetorical mud.

]]> The Allure of Cynical Philosophers - Peterson, Žižek, and Chomsky The Allure of Cynical Philosophers - Peterson, Žižek, and Chomsky 00:16:51 ac18b11b-b35a-4d8f-af9d-3791978a9995 Douglas Giles 83 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-allure-of-cynical-philosophers-peterson-iek-and-chomsky Thu, 23 Jan 2025 18:10:03 +0000 The recent rapid turn of events in Syria has created more questions than answers. This is the time of both opportunity and danger for Syria. What happens in the near future in Syria will be a lesson for the world about either how to or how not to act politically.

]]> A Question of Power: Will the New Syria Turn Left or Right? A Question of Power: Will the New Syria Turn Left or Right? 00:07:24 8dc94c9a-b1ab-4b0b-afef-67bfa235ae86 Douglas Giles 82 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/a-question-of-power-will-the-new-syria-turn-left-or-right Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:31:45 +0000 The media is talking a lot about how influential podcasts are, including suggesting podcasts influenced the recent US election. I insert some philosophy into the interesting anachronism of podcasts, the three basic types of podcasts, and what they say about society.

]]> Philosophy of Podcasts & the Shock Reason I'll Never Be on Joe Rogan's Show Philosophy of Podcasts & the Shock Reason I'll Never Be on Joe Rogan's Show 00:17:28 8dbbb2d0-df7c-4c56-aaed-a5aa0f2759cc Douglas Giles 81 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/philosophy-of-podcasts-the-shock-reason-i-ll-never-be-on-joe-rogans-show Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:33:20 +0000 This isn’t an “I told you so.” This is an “all right, let’s talk about where we go from here” post-election.

#politics #philosophy

]]> I Tried to Warn You. Are You Now Ready to Solve the Problem that’s Bigger than Trump? I Tried to Warn You. Are You Now Ready to Solve the Problem that’s Bigger than Trump? 00:11:26 2c17d227-0dc7-4e2e-85d3-44ea1626dc6c Douglas Giles 80 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/i-tried-to-warn-you-are-you-now-ready-to-solve-the-problem-thats-bigger-than-trump Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:25:50 +0000 The concept of “Christian” nationalism has been in the news lately. That’s understandable given how often and how much certain groups are pushing the belief that America is a Christian nation and even that it should be an exclusively Christian nation. At least, that’s what they say on their external packaging.

]]> There's No Such Thing as “Christian” Nationalism There's No Such Thing as “Christian” Nationalism 00:14:43 daa2c0ad-1a4d-4110-b448-f6111da1e9f6 Douglas Giles 79 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/theres-no-such-thing-as-christian-nationalism Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:27:25 +0000 Both Hitler and Trump are pathetic and delusional. Both are far right authoritarians. But their movements have different motivations and goals. Calling Trump a fascist may seem like a convenient shorthand description, but it masks the depth of the real movement behind Trump. The truth is difficult but important to understand.

]]> Trump Is Not a Fascist--It's Worse Than That (Philosophy of Election '24) Trump Is Not a Fascist--It's Worse Than That (Philosophy of Election '24) 00:09:49 ce8b6681-73e0-4a50-88cf-d415cf46e409 Douglas Giles 78 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/trump-is-not-a-fascist-its-worse-than-that-philosophy-of-election-24 Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:46:28 +0000 Philosophy of Election 24 Series #5

Freedom is a word many people use, but few people have any substantial understanding of the meaning of the concept. To mention that fact isn’t cynical or disparaging. The concept of freedom, like all significant philosophical concepts, is deep, complex, multidimensional, and nuanced. It is beyond simplistic definitions.

]]> Does Anyone Understand What “Freedom” Means? Does Anyone Understand What “Freedom” Means? 00:19:21 824c8868-f84e-4c80-87f0-11d9f63856c9 Douglas Giles 77 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/does-anyone-understand-what-freedom-means Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:01:52 +0000 It matters what Trump said. Here's why, and here's how it connects with my book, Why Trump.

]]> The Importance of Trump's Comments that Immigrants Are Eating Dogs - Philosophy of Election '24 The Importance of Trump's Comments that Immigrants Are Eating Dogs - Philosophy of Election '24 00:18:07 a66bde94-f727-48d4-8837-3b78608ec36a Douglas Giles 76 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-importance-of-trumps-comments-on-immigrants-easting-dogs-philosophy-of-election-24 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:52:10 +0000 I talk about Minnesota, tater tots, and a possible sea change in American politics. Could the Harris-Walz campaign actually be directed at the 60% of the body politic?

]]> Philosophy of Election '24 - Harris, Walz, and 60-20-20 America Philosophy of Election '24 - Harris, Walz, and 60-20-20 America 00:13:21 2bea16e2-0f9c-4654-9232-d1246a90ed6e Douglas Giles 75 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/harris-walz-and-60-20-20-america Sun, 25 Aug 2024 18:12:50 +0000 When people show you who they are, believe them.

Politics is about power, and power has a political dimension. Power manifests not just on a grand scale but also on a very personal scale. Not all power is ugly and coercive, but some of it is.

]]> Philosophy of Election '24 - Stalker Vance and the Real Meaning of “Childless Cat Ladies” Philosophy of Election '24 - Stalker Vance and the Real Meaning of “Childless Cat Ladies” 00:05:19 3e2adc3b-3b4e-4d57-b0e7-5951ab558ef5 Douglas Giles 74 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/philosophy-of-election-24-stalker-vance-and-the-real-meaning-of-childless-cat-ladies Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:22:24 +0000 The same old culture war is now directed at Kamala Harris.

]]> Philosophy of Election '24 - Trump’s Racial Identity Politics Philosophy of Election '24 - Trump’s Racial Identity Politics 00:07:52 43af7b17-3fa0-4692-ad59-d8dfa5386d02 Douglas Giles 73 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/trumps-racial-identity-politics Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:56:56 +0000 Some say that a week is a lifetime in politics, and last week showed how true that is. Now the election can turn to focus on Trump.

I've been busy the past two months finishing my new book, Why Trump? Why Some People Support Him—How the Rest of Us Can Respond.

I read from the first chapter, Chapter 1. Framing the Issue.

https://amzn.to/3Y3NeFm

https://dgilesauthor.com/why-trump/


]]> New Book: Why Trump? New Book: Why Trump? 00:12:11 1ae47d4b-f67b-4638-9398-776f0578eb4a Douglas Giles 72 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/new-book-why-trump Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:11:57 +0000 A reading of the first chapter of my recent book, available for sale everywhere.

Links to where you can purchase the book.

Left Wing, Right Wing, People, and Power

]]> Left Wing, Right Wing, People, and Power - Chapter 1 Left Wing, Right Wing, People, and Power - Chapter 1 00:20:15 fea653f0-e917-4473-af86-d8cb01f1c32d Douglas Giles 71 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/left-wing-right-wing-people-and-power-chapter-1 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:32:42 +0000 A look at two ideologies that are shaping political discourse.

Text transcript and reference links: https://insertphilosophyhere.com/the-fundamental-contradictions-in-anarchism-and-libertarianism/

]]> The Fundamental Contradictions in Anarchism and Libertarianism The Fundamental Contradictions in Anarchism and Libertarianism 00:32:51 803713b2-a057-4c47-8a5c-d81da167aa96 Douglas Giles 70 full false https://insertphilosophyhere.com/the-fundamental-contradictions-in-anarchism-and-libertarianism/ Thu, 30 May 2024 16:18:38 +0000 What’s right and wrong about the Columbia protests and what’s right and wrong about political action.

Can we have an intelligent conversation about what’s going on at Columbia University? Probably not. I’ll try anyway, although a conversation requires willing and sincere participants.

Referenced in this episode:

I welcome your comments at InsertPhilosophyHere.com.

]]> What’s Right and Wrong About the Columbia Protests What’s Right and Wrong About the Columbia Protests 00:12:13 462f98b5-adae-4e4d-9a33-36674c3a0718 Douglas Giles 69 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/whats-right-and-wrong-about-the-columbia-protests Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:29:35 +0000 There’s an important difference between them. This episode is a follow-up to Episode 12, "What Lurks Behind Conspiracy Theories." The subject of conspiracy theories is of great interest, probably because 2024 is an election year in many countries. In this episode, I respond to a comment made by several listeners and explain the difference between a conspiracy theory and the typical exercising of power.

]]> Conspiracy Theories versus People Exercising Power Conspiracy Theories versus People Exercising Power 00:17:35 cf0341bf-cfc3-4a0f-877c-f27ddfdf459d Douglas Giles 68 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/conspiracy-theories-versus-exercising-power Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:26:44 +0000 My new book has been released.

Left Wing, Right Wing, People, and Power: The Core Dynamics of Political Action

The Kindle version is available here. 

The paperback version is available here.



]]> Book Release Announcement Book Release Announcement 00:01:40 91e7b040-86f8-4bb5-96b6-309f591e4522 Douglas Giles 67 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/book-release-announcement Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:23:45 +0000 One reason I am so passionate about the value of education comes from what I learned working two work-study jobs when I was an undergraduate.

g8uqfqu6

]]> My First Clues About Social Injustice My First Clues About Social Injustice 00:10:18 4085c1f5-d060-4d32-8948-5ee71ef7b7a4 Douglas Giles 66 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/my-first-clues-about-social-injustice Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:29:03 +0000 Part 1: People Aren’t Stupid — They’re Lazy Thinkers

  • Many people evade the ethical responsibility to think deeply

Part 2: How to Have an Argument (More of a Debate Really)

  • How to disagree without being disagreeable

Contact me at: InsertPhilosophyHere.com


]]> Pt 1: Lazy Thinking. Pt 2: How to Have an Argument Pt 1: Lazy Thinking. Pt 2: How to Have an Argument 00:14:49 43618e48-e4ea-40b1-9265-23d14916318a Douglas Giles 65 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/pt-1-lazy-thinking-pt-2-how-to-have-an-argument Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:06:36 +0000 Politics brings out the worst of people; it doesn’t have to.

Comments? Contact me at: InsertPhilosophyHere.com

]]> Is Your Politics One of Principles or Pettiness? Is Your Politics One of Principles or Pettiness? 00:10:25 8d29225d-db92-4f9c-88ee-634cac9cd512 Douglas Giles 64 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/is-your-politics-one-of-principles-or-pettiness Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:41:43 +0000 What’s going on underneath the hype? A philosopher looks into the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift and indicts the music industry that tried to exploit her.

Comments? Contact me at: InsertPhilosophyHere.com

]]> The Curious Case of Taylor Swift The Curious Case of Taylor Swift 00:18:55 0244e9b4-2970-424f-b108-12eecd5a8816 Douglas Giles 63 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-curious-case-of-taylor-swift Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:06:07 +0000 My long-term slightly scientific study of fluffpreneurship.

We are now in the Epoch of the Memeocene in which things are oversimplified and vapid. It is an age in which society recognizes facile imitation more than substance. Not surprisingly, the snake oil merchants have adapted to the times. What they sell and how they sell it has been pared down to exploit our age of pretending to solve problems with empty platitudes.

Comments? Contact me at: InsertPhilosophyHere.com

]]> Masterclasses, TEDx Talks, Spam, and the Rise of the Fluffpreneur Masterclasses, TEDx Talks, Spam, and the Rise of the Fluffpreneur 00:17:08 448cf0ce-a72f-493d-b559-f0ba35308ce5 Douglas Giles 62 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/masterclasses-tedx-talks-spam-and-the-rise-of-the-fluffpreneur Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:10:56 +0000 Do you love Christmas? That’s cool, I respect that. Have fun.

I want to talk about and with those who don’t consider Christmas the “most wonderful time of the year,” because I respect them too.

]]> It’s Okay to Not Like Christmas It’s Okay to Not Like Christmas 00:15:42 46594838-a0e6-4caa-91d9-22ea00f86fb5 Douglas Giles 61 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/its-okay-to-not-like-christmas-1 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 10:38:39 +0000 Cooperation, loyalty, adherence to the rule of law. These are noble virtues, of which the following are necessary for a free and open society.

But there are times when it is necessary to step outside these noble virtues. There are times when dissent is a virtue. There is a time for peace and a time for protest.

]]> Ethics of Dissent and Protest Ethics of Dissent and Protest 00:08:39 a2af3d74-b3c0-4639-b0c5-23e7a5263493 Douglas Giles 60 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/ethics-of-dissent-and-protest Thu, 30 Nov 2023 13:33:46 +0000 Understanding political movements is essential for building a human-centered politics. I therefore propose a distinction between reactionary movements and populist movements based on their different worldviews, goals, and targets of their opposition.

Support this podcast: https://ko-fi.com/insertphilosophyhere

]]> Reactionism Is Not Populism Reactionism Is Not Populism 00:21:40 a0f96293-790d-450a-85ce-974b3ab45cd7 Douglas Giles 59 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/reactionism-is-not-populism Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:29:30 +0000 Men hating women is a symptom of a deeper problem. This episode inserts philosophy into the abuse of women and explores the social causes behind misogyny and subordination of women.

Comments? Contact me at InsertPhilosophyHere.com

]]> It’s Not Misogyny—It’s Worse than That It’s Not Misogyny—It’s Worse than That 00:21:00 3b882345-4026-48b1-a3f9-e9ddce297c09 Douglas Giles 58 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/its-not-misogyny-its-worse-than-that Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:05:41 +0000 Are you an individual? Sounds like a silly question, doesn’t it? You’re you, right? You aren’t anybody else. But it’s not quite that simple. First off, being good philosophers, we have to define our terms. What do we mean by “an individual?” There are many answers to that question. Let’s begin at the beginning.

]]> Are You an Individual? Are You an Individual? 00:43:09 aa19ebaa-4465-457b-a3fe-daee80825999 Douglas Giles 57 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/are-you-an-individual Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:31:39 +0000 Scottish philosopher David Hume in the 1700s changed Western philosophy with his strong critique of science. Hume showed that science is based on three assumptions that have no rational basis. Hume's critique so impressed Immanuel Kant, that it led Kant to develop his critiques of reason that revolutionized philosophy and science. Today. Hume's arguments are undiminished and we neglect them at our peril.

]]> Hume's Critique of Science Hume's Critique of Science 00:30:10 41b4f457-5c2c-42b0-a143-67025bbcde88 Douglas Giles 56 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/humes-critique-of-science Thu, 14 Sep 2023 21:44:31 +0000 I haven't recorded a philosophy lesson in awhile, so here is an audio version of a new video I am producing for my university course. My other videos are at https://www.youtube.com/insertphilosophyhere

]]> The Epistemologies of Hobbes and Locke The Epistemologies of Hobbes and Locke 00:13:55 46baab3f-fcbf-4f92-bf58-d333643af271 Douglas Giles 55 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-epistemologies-of-hobbes-and-locke Thu, 07 Sep 2023 15:46:32 +0000 For the last seven years, I’ve had quite a few people here in Europe ask me to explain Trump and his MAGA sycophants. Their incredulous questions are understandable. What’s in MAGA minds? How could they believe such things? Why are they so full of hate?

I reference two books in this episode: The Rise of Victimhood Culture and Rethinking Misrecognition and Struggles for Recognition.


]]> Trump, MAGA, and Making America Grotesque Victims Trump, MAGA, and Making America Grotesque Victims 00:10:50 6feb0e8f-e5ac-4c44-9a83-3c943e00af63 Douglas Giles 54 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/trump-maga-and-making-america-grotesque-victims Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:03:04 +0000 Spoiler Alert: I will divulge as little as possible about the specifics of the movie as I talk about the real-life implications of its philosophical ideas, but, obviously, some content of the movie will leak out.

Yes, Barbie is a surprisingly philosophical movie. I had low expectations for Barbie. I’ve never been a fan of corporations or dolls, and especially corporate dolls that objectify women. My expectations were very mistaken.

InsertPhilosophyHere.com

]]> The Barbie Movie: Why “Woke” Should and Will Prevail The Barbie Movie: Why “Woke” Should and Will Prevail 00:11:14 77ae299d-8cd7-4da0-9aba-4d2d93316f18 Douglas Giles 53 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-barbie-movie-why-woke-should-and-will-prevail Wed, 09 Aug 2023 10:36:57 +0000 Much will be said and written about the latest set of indictments handed down against former President Trump. I will leave it to the legal analysts to dissect the minutiae and details of the indictment. I'm a philosopher. So, I want to talk about what is behind all of this, what's really going on with all of this? What are the fundamental principles that underlie these actions, both politically and socially.

]]> Trump, Power, and Desire versus the Law Trump, Power, and Desire versus the Law 00:16:13 4f7fcc98-d348-408d-b7c7-54b7216a9bc8 Douglas Giles 52 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/trump-power-and-desire-versus-the-law Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:31:02 +0000 Dr. Eve Poole is my honoured guest to talk about her latest book Robot Souls. Two of the biggest design problems in Artificial Intelligence are how to build robots that behave in line with human values and how to stop them ever going rogue. One under-explored solution to these alignment and control problems might be to examine how these are already addressed in the design of humans.

Robot Souls is a book as much about us humans as it is about robots and AI. We have created artificial intelligence rather than artificial humans, and that is a potential problem we need to address and consider how our creations and ourselves can be more human.

]]> Interview with Dr. Eve Poole on her book "Robot Souls" Interview with Dr. Eve Poole on her book "Robot Souls" 00:53:24 afeb5fc2-c121-43fa-bec6-e9aa0f588e90 Douglas Giles 51 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/interview-with-dr-eve-poole-on-her-book-robot-souls Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:25:11 +0000 Condensing their philosophies to their most influential ideas.


]]> The Legacy of Plato and Aristotle The Legacy of Plato and Aristotle 00:14:36 5c43afeb-26a7-4c59-86a1-41b1ab808849 Douglas Giles 50 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-legacy-of-plato-and-aristotle Wed, 19 Jul 2023 19:46:56 +0000 A subject that has been in the news quite a lot lately as a political issue is diversity, equity, and inclusion, (DEI) and this is a topic that's dear to my heart as a philosophy professor. We need DEI programs, and I am very concerned about the efforts to try to reverse DEI initiatives in higher education. Plus, I am also aware of how part of that backlash from the right-wing to DEI initiatives is a response to excesses and abuses from people who are wanting, or at least on the surface wanting to increase DEI. I'll talk about both sides of this political issue.

]]> A College Professor’s View on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion A College Professor’s View on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 00:31:16 62e19c8a-afa3-4f00-86ec-81128369ef55 Douglas Giles 49 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/a-college-professors-view-on-diversity-equality-and-inclusion Wed, 12 Jul 2023 13:38:25 +0000 We truthfully tell students about the importance of education, but all of the students are being shortchanged and overcharged for their experiences in higher education. Tuition is rising, but the money isn’t going toward education. The reasons are the three wrong priorities now dominating higher education.

]]> Three Reasons Why Higher Education Isn’t Better than It Is Three Reasons Why Higher Education Isn’t Better than It Is 00:17:17 9adc9201-a8af-4dc9-a395-547145d5c177 Douglas Giles 48 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/three-reasons-why-higher-education-isnt-better-than-it-is Sun, 04 Jun 2023 13:22:49 +0000 Much has been made and certainly much more will be made about Joe Biden’s age after he announced he is running for president. Some people suggest that he is too old to run for president. It is prejudice to assume that age makes one unqualified for any role, including the President of the United States. Being in one’s 80s does not in and of itself mean one is incapable of handling responsibilities. Whether Biden is mentally capable or not I leave up to you, but this issue of age leads me to think about how we define generations.

]]> Joe Biden’s Age and Thinking Sensibly about Generations Joe Biden’s Age and Thinking Sensibly about Generations 00:22:56 56c7d644-440f-4d01-b0a3-631aefaaacfa Douglas Giles 47 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/joe-bidens-age-and-thinking-sensibly-about-generations Wed, 03 May 2023 17:29:23 +0000 A short podcast this week, relating an experience I had with a businessman who reminded me about the essence of philosophy.

]]> Soul of a Philosopher Soul of a Philosopher 00:08:28 2fde4f42-3952-468a-8b68-c07fab00190a Douglas Giles 46 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/soul-of-a-philosopher Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:18:28 +0000 About the meme of the tradwife - the traditional wife.

#Philosophy #Marriage

]]> Tradwives Tradwives 00:10:53 b6c8ce62-7cb3-46b0-930c-0dd40268476b Douglas Giles 45 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/tradwives Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:05:40 +0000 Contemplating the "heretical" idea of teaching an Intro to Philosophy course not beginning with Plato or even any of the Ancient Greek philosophers. I present my arguments.

]]> A Heretical Idea: Skipping Plato while Teaching Philosophy A Heretical Idea: Skipping Plato while Teaching Philosophy 00:15:17 0e0395e5-f51b-438f-ac96-3a32da02c5fe Douglas Giles 44 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/a-heretical-idea-skipping-plato-while-teaching-philosophy Wed, 12 Apr 2023 13:39:34 +0000 Donald Trump was in the news a lot yesterday, ALL over the news. That's understandable, as is the reality that many people oppose Trump. They have good reason, but as a philosopher, I have to ask whether Trump is really the problem people should be opposing.

]]> If You Think Trump Is The Problem, You Aren’t Part of The Solution If You Think Trump Is The Problem, You Aren’t Part of The Solution 00:15:09 36e11db2-89fe-4f8b-a379-8ce7bed0de72 Douglas Giles 44 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/if-you-think-trump-is-the-problem-you-arent-part-of-the-solution Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:17:14 +0000 Today, we assume and demand that government by at the consent of the governed. It was not always so. 17th century philosopher John Locke established the concept of government as a convenience, as a service we can hire and fire if it does not serve our interests.

]]> John Locke - Government as a Service John Locke - Government as a Service 00:22:51 71a492c6-a27c-4f17-8272-8e67e9ff5bf7 Douglas Giles 43 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/john-locke-government-as-a-service Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:14:54 +0000 The dominant paradigm in astrophysics is that the universe began in a “big bang,” probably from a singularity, and that the universe, the very fabric of space itself, has been expanding ever since. But does that paradigm of the expanding universe hold up in the face of evidence?

]]> What if the Universe Is NOT Expanding? What if the Universe Is NOT Expanding? 00:16:33 8265ed03-498e-4509-bfe7-0cc6fc74e01d Douglas Giles 42 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/what-if-the-universe-is-not-expanding Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:21:32 +0000 Do you remember Pet Rocks? You need to be older to remember them, but here’s a good history of them. The Pet Rock was the ultimate triumph of marketing over substance. Seeing the recent increase in the number of books and articles about Stoicism reminds me of Pet Rocks. I explain why in this episode.

]]> Calmly Resisting the Fad of Stoicism Calmly Resisting the Fad of Stoicism 00:14:26 1e7e2b62-b80c-4431-bb4f-c91e852e1934 Douglas Giles 41 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/calmly-resisting-the-fad-of-stoicism Wed, 08 Mar 2023 14:46:34 +0000 In recent years, there has been concern about the role of the digital world in movements and forces that could be considered to be anti-democracy. But what, if anything, has the online world changed in the public sphere and democracy that could potentially contribute to anti-democratic behavior? To address this broad question, I bring together several current threads in social philosophy. #Democracy #Populism #SocialMedia

]]> Digitalization, Byung-Chul Han's Perspective on Power, and Online Tyranny Digitalization, Byung-Chul Han's Perspective on Power, and Online Tyranny 00:22:46 86a48376-bfb8-4909-8680-42e0cf8ade3c Douglas Giles 40 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/digitalization-byung-chul-hans-perspective-on-power-and-onlinetyranny Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:11:16 +0000 This week marks the one-year anniversary of this podcast, but more importantly, it is the one-year anniversary of Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. In this week's episode, I focus on two questions: why do some people who claim to be anti-war refuse to be against Putin's war, and what factors led them to hold such a hypocritical position.

Support this podcast: https://ko-fi.com/insertphilosophyhere

]]> Putin, Ukraine, American Exceptionalism, and the Fake Left Putin, Ukraine, American Exceptionalism, and the Fake Left 00:25:33 3e003344-0824-4569-a690-e205baaf5f12 Douglas Giles 39 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/putin-ukraine-american-exceptionalism-and-the-fake-left Wed, 22 Feb 2023 13:29:21 +0000 What are UFOs? It is a surprisingly emotional subject. A large percentage of people who come across this article will read very little of it, having already assumed their preferred conclusion, and not take seriously the argument I am presenting. I hope that does not include you, dear reader. I wrote this to try to have a discussion about the issues rather than the current non-discussion of entrenched ideologies and people talking past each other. UFOs are real phenomena that we should be exploring, but we aren’t. I am exploring why that might be.

]]> UFOs Are Real, but Our Thinking about Them Is Not Realistic UFOs Are Real, but Our Thinking about Them Is Not Realistic 00:30:14 f2d81a27-f33b-4b47-9da5-a13f4017f027 Douglas Giles 38 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/ufos-are-real-but-our-thinking-about-them-is-not-realistic Wed, 15 Feb 2023 14:38:32 +0000 I've moved to a new podcast: https://dgilesphd.substack.com/podcast

Much of the defense of capitalism takes the positives of free enterprise and incorrectly attributes them to capitalism and much of the condemnation of capitalism incorrectly includes free enterprise in that condemnation. To have a fruitful, honest discussion, we need to get past errors and propaganda.

]]> Capitalism And Free Enterprise Are Not the Same Capitalism And Free Enterprise Are Not the Same 00:24:36 93b9a3c5-9832-45ce-9970-6c27b3a7e3a3 Douglas Giles 37 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/crucial-differences-between-capitalism-and-free-enterprise Wed, 08 Feb 2023 14:56:48 +0000 The words “woke” and “wokeness” have recently entered the political lexicon. These words puzzle me as to what they mean and why people use them. “Woke” and “wokeness” are used mostly, if not exclusively, as an insult. They are used mostly, if not exclusively, by the Right. In our current memeocene epoch, the “woke” insult is often attached to an attack meme, whining about an alleged “wokeness.” What is this "wokeness?"

]]> What's the Problem with "Wokeness" What's the Problem with "Wokeness" 00:10:32 f4aeef70-9436-473c-aebe-405206c05260 Douglas Giles 36 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/whats-the-problem-with-wokeness Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:16:37 +0000 To “go vegan” is a legitimate dietary choice, but I am about to become a heretic in the vegan evangelists’ eyes, because I will dare to question the vegan dogma. There are multiple fallacies in the vegan ideology but for brevity, in this article, I will concentrate on the “veganism will save the planet” claim. It’s about the climate crisis. Veganism demands the wrong solution by attacking the wrong culprits.

Dr, Taber's Twitter Thread: https://twitter.com/SarahTaber_bww/status/1006363772838170629

]]> Sorry, Veganism Won’t Save The Planet Sorry, Veganism Won’t Save The Planet 00:11:18 00603825-21d5-4716-9514-0d7c3fcc1b8a Douglas Giles 35 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/sorry-veganism-wont-save-the-planet Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:50:08 +0000 How We Are and How We Got Here: A Practical History of Western Philosophy

ISBN: 978-1-7358808-8-4.e-book: https://amzn.to/3I42f1S. Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Wz78V9.

A fresh and original presentation that is easy for students, instructors, and general readers to use. This well-written, insightful history of philosophy is basic enough to be understood by those with no prior experience with philosophy but sophisticated enough to inform further those with some knowledge of philosophy.

]]> A New Philosophy Textbook for Everyone A New Philosophy Textbook for Everyone 00:12:28 b0b2c00e-5347-4ec0-af45-8e0f6deba5d8 Douglas Giles 34 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/a-new-philosophy-textbook-for-everyone Thu, 05 Jan 2023 14:50:18 +0000 Inserting some philosophy into the concept of the New Year. Although the “new year” is celebrated with fanfare and increased alcohol consumption, aside from hangovers, absolutely nothing changes between 31 December and 1 January.

]]> The Calendar Is a Fallacy The Calendar Is a Fallacy 00:07:19 0f81ba38-30b5-47be-809b-0b36bd833abf Douglas Giles 33 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-calendar-is-a-fallacy Thu, 29 Dec 2022 15:47:33 +0000 I've moved to a new podcast: https://dgilesphd.substack.com/podcast

Siloization – ˈsī-lō-ə-ˈzā-shən : the process of isolating a group apart from others especially in ways that hinder communication and cooperation. How technology is enhancing an age old human habit, the difference between one-way and two-way communication, and how social media plays into these issues.

]]> Twitter, TikTok, and Siloization Twitter, TikTok, and Siloization 00:26:21 8c3ddd76-a5b3-49f8-a7f0-c37641645746 Douglas Giles 31 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/twitter-tiktok-and-siloization Wed, 16 Nov 2022 14:23:31 +0000 This year has seen a number of important and contentious elections: Sweden, Italy, United States, Brazil, and Israel, among others. By its nature, politics is agonistic--a process of contention among people--but today it is an antagonistic process in which politicians actively exhort the public to misrecognize and even hate other politicians.

]]> Agonistic versus Antagonistic Politics Agonistic versus Antagonistic Politics 00:23:50 24d9d757-d47a-4083-89dd-b017cedab1fa Douglas Giles 30 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/agonistic-versus-antagonistic-politics Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:08:16 +0000 Some people believe that philosophy is disconnected from the world. This is ignorance but it is understandable given the tradition of rationalism and analytic philosophy. But philosophy is at its best when it addresses issues that confront people in their everyday lives. The school of philosophy that is appropriately named "pragmatism" does that, It is a philosophy that connects with real life, does work in it, and has cash value.

]]> Pragmatism - The Philosophy with Cash Value Pragmatism - The Philosophy with Cash Value 00:29:49 f1ad2964-08a6-4914-933c-25dc240b65f4 Douglas Giles 29 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/pragmatism-philosophy-and-real-life Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:12:54 +0000 The United States likes to think of itself as a democracy. Is it? What is democracy and what are its strengths and weaknesses? This week, I delve into these questions.

]]> What Is Democracy? Is It the Best Form of Government? What Is Democracy? Is It the Best Form of Government? 00:30:11 a496453c-8f56-46ee-a6c1-9370a14dd4de Douglas Giles 28 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/what-is-democracy-is-it-the-best-form-of-government Wed, 19 Oct 2022 16:35:37 +0000 Plato was the first systematic Western philosopher. This episode explains his ideas on human perception, what knowledge is, and how we can know things, including his theory of Forms.

]]> Plato's Theory of Perception Plato's Theory of Perception 00:28:21 9e31fbca-c2c8-47f7-a2e7-c482f03e5d4a Douglas Giles 27 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/platos-theory-of-perception Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:58:48 +0000 When I teach my Introduction to Philosophy courses, I do so chronologically because philosophy is best understood as a long evolution. Those students often ask me, "why didn't those philosophers centuries ago understand that we are all individuals with different perceptions?" I tell them to be patient, we have to wait until the early 1800s to see philosophers who came to that realization.

]]> How German Idealism Changed Us How German Idealism Changed Us 00:26:40 1a89d7dc-bdc8-4886-98f6-655e70dbf25b Douglas Giles 26 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/how-german-idealism-changed-us Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:27:29 +0000 On where one belongs, where one can go, and how living abroad changes your perspective on everything.

]]> I Left the U.S. 10 Years Ago. I’ve Never Regretted It. I Left the U.S. 10 Years Ago. I’ve Never Regretted It. 00:21:56 06d76737-d6ce-4b94-a2f4-157bc5d6599f Douglas Giles 25 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/i-left-the-u-s-10-years-ago-ive-never-regretted-it Wed, 28 Sep 2022 14:17:07 +0000 Available Here: https://amzn.to/3qWV6H6

We are all so used to the terms "left," "right," "liberal," and "conservative" that we hear and use them without a second thought as to their meaning. Politics is the debate over how government and society should be structured and how social institutions should function and to what ends. The political conflict over these issues is often described in terms of the "Left" versus the "Right," but there is a definite lack of adequate examination of what Left and Right mean. In this book, Douglas Giles clarifies the meaning of the terms "Left" and "Right" and the left-right political spectrum in a way that helps us better understand political and social conflicts. Politics is complex, and many political conflicts have considerable effects on our lives. We deserve and need a deeper understanding of politics and political action, and we can help accomplish this by being clearer about what the terms "Left" and "Right" signify. #politics #philosophy #election

]]> New Book: What Left and Right Mean New Book: What Left and Right Mean 00:10:53 e67048c5-31a8-4984-b9cd-39e0c5e11a86 Douglas Giles 24 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/new-book-what-left-and-right-mean Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:08:37 +0000 A philosophical perspective on persons and empires.

]]> A Person Has Died; She Just Happened to Be Queen A Person Has Died; She Just Happened to Be Queen 00:14:46 cbfeb906-37a2-4f5f-80b6-2288eb1bffe2 Douglas Giles 23 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/a-person-has-died-she-just-happened-to-be-queen Wed, 14 Sep 2022 14:05:02 +0000 Our education system is still dominated by a model developed over 180 years ago that relegates students to products of the system. This factory model of education is counterproductive and harming society. The solution has been out there for a long time and I discuss it, including the ideas of Jane Addams, John Dewey, and Paulo Freire.

]]> On What's Wrong With Education and How to Fix It On What's Wrong With Education and How to Fix It 00:29:11 e9c06433-693a-47f6-843d-34b32c4639ca Douglas Giles 22 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/on-whats-wrong-with-education-and-how-to-fix-it Wed, 07 Sep 2022 18:25:40 +0000 “Postmodernist” is the name given to a loosely connected group of thinkers united in their opposition to modernity and its assumptions of the supremacy of reason and continual human progress. Postmodernist philosophers dismantle modernity's illusions to free us to see what really is true and how we really are.

]]> What Is Postmodernism? What Is Postmodernism? 00:09:41 26e6d240-cf21-424e-b2b8-ebfbdff16e28 Douglas Giles 21 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/what-is-postmodernism Mon, 08 Aug 2022 15:53:37 +0000 A brief introduction, but more than most philosophy professors will give you. Arendt had important insights into totalitarianism and the human condition.

]]> An Introduction to the Philosophy of Hannah Arendt An Introduction to the Philosophy of Hannah Arendt 00:11:20 498039bc-7c31-4f04-bf6f-6f248c7f6acb Douglas Giles 20 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/an-introduction-to-the-philosophy-of-hannah-arendt Mon, 25 Jul 2022 15:59:25 +0000 The mystique and the reality, and advice about the most important part of being a traveler.

]]> A Philosophy of Travel A Philosophy of Travel 00:14:22 6532096d-4106-4956-a630-70d9769f130a Douglas Giles 19 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/a-philosophy-of-travel Tue, 12 Jul 2022 13:06:37 +0000 I ask these questions in July Fourth, a day when the United States commemorates its independence. A Philosophical Look at Being American.

]]> What IS America? What Does It Mean to Be American? What IS America? What Does It Mean to Be American? 00:09:32 2d434fe7-f04a-4f6b-b465-d732f3fda987 Douglas Giles 18 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/what-is-america-what-does-it-mean-to-be-american Mon, 04 Jul 2022 15:30:56 +0000 Good business leaders know that a commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) requires a strong foundation, one upon which a company can build and expand its commitment to every aspect of the organization.

]]> Business Ethics - Corporate Social Responsibility Business Ethics - Corporate Social Responsibility 00:24:31 c9dc2592-c9fc-48ca-8790-a4764fe0f5a1 Douglas Giles 17 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/business-ethics-corporate-social-responsibility Mon, 20 Jun 2022 15:00:09 +0000 A straight-forward, unsensationalized discussion of Kant's Categorical Imperative, discussing his argument in detail. Video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvdUp1Z-Luc

]]> Kant's Moral Theory: Why the Categorical Imperative? Kant's Moral Theory: Why the Categorical Imperative? 00:31:19 50c31ab1-b1fa-4c75-944b-71b3e8dafc33 Douglas Giles 16 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/kants-moral-theory-why-the-categorical-imperative Mon, 13 Jun 2022 18:28:26 +0000 It has long been taught that there was a 'dark age" in Europe devoid of intellectual activity. This myth is debunked by the reality that medieval philosophy was alive and well.

]]> The Not-So-Dark Ages of Medieval Philosophy The Not-So-Dark Ages of Medieval Philosophy 00:26:41 1a28b6be-dbfd-4fce-b35c-1d305461ac72 Douglas Giles 15 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/the-not-so-dark-ages-of-medieval-philosophy Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:40:00 +0000 That things change was a problem for Greek philosophers. Aristotle had a theory for how we can understand change. His solution to the problem of change affected Western thinking for many centuries.

]]> Aristotle's Theory of Change Aristotle's Theory of Change 00:20:32 49b29191-ed7b-4946-b882-2743d9e55720 Douglas Giles 14 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/aristotles-theory-of-change Mon, 30 May 2022 12:03:39 +0000 Some ancient ethical systems still have relevance to our business practices today.

]]> Ancient Virtue Ehics and Modern Business Ethics Ancient Virtue Ehics and Modern Business Ethics 00:20:50 46226b7f-c9bf-4ad6-b07c-c7473bd40a6e Douglas Giles 13 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/ancient-virtue-ehics-and-modern-business-ethics Mon, 16 May 2022 13:00:11 +0000 A philosophical exploration of the hows and whys of conspiracy theories. Extended text discussion at https://insertphilosophyhere.com/conspiracy-theories/.

]]> What Lurks Beneath Conspiracy Theories? What Lurks Beneath Conspiracy Theories? 00:23:38 bcc9c5f7-7d1f-42a2-a78f-bbb6ad759bec Douglas Giles 12 full false https://insertphilosophyhere.com/conspiracy-theories/ Mon, 09 May 2022 10:17:55 +0000 I created Insert Philosophy Here to insert philosophy into anything and everything. That includes popular culture. This week I take on the TV show, The Curse of Oak Island, questioning its approach, defending it from critics, but also calling out its unnecessary sensationalism.

]]> On "The Curse of Oak Island": Philosophy Meets "Reality" TV On "The Curse of Oak Island": Philosophy Meets "Reality" TV 00:31:06 75fb8968-cced-42d4-a5df-8fff3c277282 Douglas Giles 11 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/on-the-curse-of-oak-island Mon, 02 May 2022 16:15:52 +0000 Fourth part of my series on recognition. I talked about the positives of recognition in earlier parts. In this episodes, I talk about how recognition can be exploited to enact villainous acts.

]]> Recognition Part 4: Both Tyranny and Justice Depend on Recognition Recognition Part 4: Both Tyranny and Justice Depend on Recognition 00:12:47 e34bbc3c-9052-4b6d-b685-af67f69a6d03 Douglas Giles 10 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/recognition-part-4-both-tyranny-and-justice-depend-on-recognition Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:00:42 +0000 An overview of what we are talking about when we are talking about political philosophy, with an eye toward the emergence of political philosophy in the early modern period: Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.

]]> What Is Political Philosophy? (General Philosophy 3) What Is Political Philosophy? (General Philosophy 3) 00:13:43 7d7b61a9-bc0c-4924-a9bf-7f2c587853c3 Douglas Giles 9 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/what-is-political-philosophy-general-philosophy-3 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 12:31:52 +0000 Third part of my series on recognition. In this episode, I trace the history of the philosophy of recognition, focusing on Jean-Jacques Rousseau, G.W.F. Hegel, and Axel Honneth.

]]> Recognition Part 3: History of Recognition Theory Recognition Part 3: History of Recognition Theory 00:20:09 bd136a90-d6a0-4f5b-8291-de68a976e703 Douglas Giles 8 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/recognition-part-3-history-of-recognition-theory Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:34:47 +0000 Austrian-British philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein had two distinct philosophies. I focus on his second one because in it, he abandoned his first one.

]]> Wittgenstein's Language Games Wittgenstein's Language Games 00:23:03 d772fea1-00b6-4ba4-8ff9-32c87a3da5a7 Douglas Giles 7 full false https://InsertPhilosophyHere.com Mon, 04 Apr 2022 16:41:34 +0000 Covers two topics: why philosophy is best taught chronologically and why we still study Ancient Greek philosophy. Most Introduction to Philosophy textbooks present philosophy topically--a collection of separate topics. I argue that philosophy is best taught as the progressive history of philosophers responding to events and building on previous ideas. That process for teaching Western philosophy begins with the Ancient Greeks.

]]> Why Do We Study Ancient Philosophy? (General Philosophy 2) Why Do We Study Ancient Philosophy? (General Philosophy 2) 00:07:57 125a947c-dfba-46ee-bb6a-2bc10d43d49b Douglas Giles 6 full false https://insertphilosophyhere.com Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:57:29 +0000 Part 2 in a series of talks about the concept of recognition. Why do injustices continue to happen? We say it is because of prejudice but what is prejudice? It is difficult to fight something that we cannot define and one of the important tasks in philosophy is understanding what is behind social phenomena like prejudice.

]]> Recognition Part 2: The Key to Social Justice Recognition Part 2: The Key to Social Justice 00:19:50 a3ed1208-aeef-4cee-acea-60e932a2d6b9 Douglas Giles 5 full false https://insertphilosophyhere.com Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:30:22 +0000 First in a multi-part discussion of the concept of recognition that is central to social cohesion and structures. In this part, I discuss the seeming contradiction of countries' attitudes toward refugees from war, attitudes that can be explained by recognition theory.

]]> Recognition Part 1: Why Ukrainians but not Syrians? Recognition Part 1: Why Ukrainians but not Syrians? 00:31:13 ead4f73b-1cb2-4979-ba7b-636fb9e602c0 Douglas Giles 4 full false https://insertphilosophyhere.com Mon, 14 Mar 2022 15:42:50 +0000 First in a series of talks on general topics in philosophy. Many people have attempted to explain what philosophy is. Some have said philosophy is thinking about thinking, reflecting on experience, a pursuit of truth. Philosophy is all of those things, but it is also something much more. Here is my definition.

]]> What Is Philosophy? (General Philosophy 1) What Is Philosophy? (General Philosophy 1) 00:05:19 3dae17df-e75e-478f-bafc-81c335764b63 Douglas Giles 3 full false https://insertphilosophyhere.com Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:02:49 +0000 First in a series of episodes, "A Philosophical View on Current Events," I discuss the philosophy of just war theory.

]]> Can War Ever Be Justified? - A Philosophical View on Current Events Can War Ever Be Justified? - A Philosophical View on Current Events 00:11:35 45d3dac6-5b71-4dea-9a3d-c4eef085bc15 Douglas Giles 2 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/can-war-ever-be-justified-philosophical-view-of-current-events Mon, 28 Feb 2022 15:35:29 +0000 The first topic of this podcast is--Why this podcast? What is the point of it and why Insert Philosophy Here?

]]> Why This Podcast? Why This Podcast? 00:05:53 01e919b3-af71-4541-ac61-2fd52644a606 Douglas Giles 1 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/why-this-podcast Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:46:44 +0000 Hello Listeners. I'm transitioning away from this podcast to two new podcasts that will be hosted in my Substack account: https://substack.com/@dgilesphd. One podcast will cover philosophy and the other will cover political analysis. Thank you for listening, and please join me there.

]]> Transitioning to Substack Podcasts Transitioning to Substack Podcasts 00:00:43 f29e38c0-2353-472a-8afd-9c92703dd433 full false https://pod.co/insert-philosophy-here/transitioning-to-substack-podcasts Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:31:01 +0000