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
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