Individual Choices, Challenges, and Social Changes

Individual Choices, Challenges, and Social Changes

Author: Gwendolyn Dolske, PhD & Rudy Salo | Philosophy & Education Podcast September 17, 2025 Duration: 50:23

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome philosophers Dr. Alex Madva and Dr. Daniel Kelly, co-authors of the book Somebody Should Do Something. Together, we explore one of social psychology's most famous concepts: the fundamental attribution error.  How does misunderstanding human behavior, responsibility, and government investment lead us to the wrong solutions for the world's biggest problems?

Why do we so often blame individuals instead of recognizing the systems, structures, and environments shaping their actions? And why do so many attempts at social change fail when they focus solely on individual choice rather than collective action?

This episode examines:
• The psychology behind blaming individuals
• Why structural problems require structural solutions
• How small choices and large systems interact
• Practical ways to design meaningful, long-term social change
• Why philosophical thinking matters for public policy and everyday life

If you've ever wondered "How do we actually change society?", "Why do people behave the way they do?", or "Why do good solutions fail?", this conversation offers insight, clarity, and a fresh way to understand the complexity of social life.

Perfect for listeners interested in philosophy, social psychology, bias, ethics, behavioral science, and critical thinking.

 

Learn more about Dr. Madva and Dr. Kelly and get their book! 

Read Dr. Madva's OpEd in The NY Times: Guest Essay

Join our Patreon for more GIID content: https://www.patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails

 


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
Examining the Social Media Landscape [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:50
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome back Rev. Dr. Angela Gorrell to the pod to discuss her book Always On. How can we navigate the social media landscape? How does our online life reflect our character? How can we be…
Don't Spoil That! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:22
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Philosophy Professor Richard Greene about his book Spoiler Alert! We learn the definition and nuance of spoiling. Many films are discussed in this episode so...Spoiler Alert! Get…
Too young and Too Early: On the Hyper-sexualization of Girls in Media [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:10
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo discuss the portrayal of young girls and women in the media with Professor Gigi Durham (School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Iowa). We focus on her book The Lolita Eff…
About January 6th 2021 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Elizabeth Wydra, President of the Constitutional Accountability Center. We discuss the event at the capital on January 6th, the impeachment, and the history of the constitution. L…
New Year New You: Talking Finance and Real Estate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:14
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with long time real estate investor, Mark Farrelly (Mark Brian Realty). How do trends in real estate reflect values? What are steps to achieve financial goals? How has Covid-19 impacte…
The Value of Sex Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:48
Gwendolyn Dolske and Konstantin Hatcher talk with sex educator, Cindy Scharkey. What is good sex education? How can we better understand female pleasure? What are desire styles? How can parents talk to their children abo…
How to Learn from Heartbreak [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:40
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Break Up coach, Kendra Allen, about her work and insight into breaking up with grace. What do we learn about ourselves? How can we heal? How can we be a supportive friend to someo…
Let's Be Objective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:20
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome back to the show law enforcement analyst, Jeff Cortese. Jeff discusses his take on the issue of voter fraud and why we should examine the issue (setting bias aside). https://www.jeffcortese.com…
Gig Economy and the Fate of Cities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:10
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with journalist Liz Farmer about the new dynamics of work in the gig economy. What are the legal implications? How will this impact cities? https://www.farmersfieldonline.com Rudy Salo…
Swiping For Romance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:40
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Sex and Relationship Therapist Dr. Rossana Sida about dating in the time of coronavirus. We discuss dating apps, intimacy, and relationships. http://www.rossanasida.com https://ww…