Insert Philosophy Here Insert Philosophy Here
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- Cultura y sociedad
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.
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The Fundamental Contradictions in Anarchism and Libertarianism
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/ -
What’s Right and Wrong About the Columbia Protests
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:
Ethics of Dissent and ProtestLeft Wing, Right Wing, People, and Power: The Core Dynamics of Political ActionAssault on the Left: The FBI and the Sixties Antiwar MovementLaurel Thatcher Ulrich
I welcome your comments at InsertPhilosophyHere.com. -
Conspiracy Theories versus People Exercising Power
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.
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Book Release Announcement
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. -
My First Clues About Social Injustice
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.
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Pt 1: Lazy Thinking. Pt 2: How to Have an Argument
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