Biography, History, and Philosophy: Iris Murdoch, Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, & Mary Midgley

Biography, History, and Philosophy: Iris Murdoch, Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, & Mary Midgley

Author: Gwendolyn Dolske, PhD & Rudy Salo | Philosophy & Education Podcast November 13, 2025 Duration: 33:02

In this solo episode of Good Is In The Details, Gwendolyn Dolske, PhD explores the lives, ideas, and philosophical impact of four remarkable twentieth-century thinkers: Iris Murdoch, Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, and Mary Midgley. Drawing inspiration from Benjamin J.B. Lipscomb's The Women Are Up To Something, the episode examines how these philosophers reshaped modern moral philosophy and offered a powerful alternative to earlier approaches to ethics.

Who were these four women philosophers, and why are they so influential in the history of philosophy? How did they challenge dominant ethical theories of their time? What is virtue ethics, and how does it differ from rule-based morality? Through biography, history, and philosophical reflection, this episode answers these commonly asked questions while revealing how Murdoch, Anscombe, Foot, and Midgley transformed the way we think about ethics, moral responsibility, character, and human life.

Listeners will explore:

  • the philosophical relationship between Murdoch, Anscombe, Foot, and Midgley

  • how twentieth-century moral philosophy shifted away from strict rule-based ethics

  • what virtue ethics is and why it remains influential today

  • how biography and historical context shaped their philosophical ideas

  • why these women were pivotal figures in a traditionally male-dominated field

Blending history, philosophy, and accessible explanation, this episode makes complex ethical ideas understandable and meaningful for students, educators, and curious listeners alike. Whether you are new to philosophy or deeply interested in ethics, this discussion offers insight into how moral thinking evolved — and why these thinkers continue to matter today.

Learn more about Professor Libscomb's work: https://www.houghton.edu/staff-members/benjamin-lipscomb/

Support the pod and get extra content: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails

Get in touch: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com


Hosted by Gwendolyn Dolske, Ph.D., and Rudy Salo, Good Is In The Details operates on the belief that the most profound insights are often hidden in plain sight, waiting to be unpacked. This philosophy and education podcast doesn't just skim the surface of big topics; it lingers there, examining the nuances of how we think, learn, and ultimately live our lives. You'll hear thoughtful, meandering conversations with scholars, authors, and practitioners from diverse fields, all centered on how ideas from ethics, culture, and critical thinking intersect with our daily realities. The hosts have a knack for breaking down complex academic concepts without losing their depth, making each episode feel like an engaging seminar you can enjoy on a walk or during your commute. Rather than offering easy answers, this podcast provides the tools and perspectives to ask better questions, finding the substance in the subtleties that we often overlook. It’s for anyone who believes that understanding the framework of an argument or the history of a thought is just as important as the conclusion. Tune in for a consistently thoughtful exploration of the books, theories, and cultural forces that quietly shape our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 190

Good Is In The Details
Podcast Episodes
How To Be A FemDom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:05
Gwendolyn Dolske and Ellie Anderson interview Mistress Damiana Chi, PhD about BDSM and her experience as a FemDom educator.
How We Speak About Madness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:15
Gwendolyn Dolske and Jacob Weber interview Cal Poly Pomona Professor Shayda Kafai about her work on discussing madness.
Lessons from Outbreak and Zombie Narratives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:18
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo interview Dahlia Schweitzer about her book Going Viral. Zombies, Viruses, and the End of the World. ThisIsDahlia.com TheRaffle2027.com
Ancient Philosophical Therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:15
Gwendolyn and Professor Danielle Layne (Gonzaga University) discuss the Ancient Greek concept of the good life. Professor Layne explains how Ancient Greek Philosophy can be therapy.
A Plastic Surgeon's Notes on Beauty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:34
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi about her work as a Facial Plastic Surgeon. How does medicine play a role in framing a concept of beauty? What is the connection between plastic surgery an…
Dentistry: Truths, Ethics, & General Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:37
Gwendolyn Dolske and Konstantin Hatcher talk with Jennifer Vitez, DMD about the divide between dentistry and medicine. What is the origin? How does the divide impact our understanding of overall health and wellness? What…
What's It Like To Meet Beauvoir? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:27
Gwendolyn Dolske talks with Professor Margaret Simons about her time meeting with Simone de Beauvoir in Paris.
All About LA Infrastructure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:43
Gwendolyn Dolske and Jacob Weber talk with LA lawyer and infrastructure expert, Rudy Salo. Rudy gives insight about the history and future of public transit.
On Writing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:34
Gwendolyn Dolske chats with writer/producer/filmmaker Stephen Elliott. Adderall Diaries