Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
Philosophy professor and author, writing on ethics, religion, politics, and the human condition from Central California in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada.
Political science
51%
Philosophy
30%
The Super Bowl’s rival halftime shows reveal America’s cultural rifts | Opinion
“The Super Bowl has spawned two rival half-time shows, both offering quite different visions of America.”
www.fresnobee.com
The questions of the moment are difficult. We wear different hats and love different visions of this country. We don’t yet know the answer to the problem that is the United States. But one thing is clear: we can no longer take anything for granted.
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Seeing through the Tyrant's I
How the grammar of tyranny helps explain Trump’s conception of power
andrewfiala.substack.com
One of Donald Trump’s linguistic quirks is his tendency to speak in the first person when talking about matters of state....
The tyrannical “I” is hubris made manifest in grammar.
andrewfiala.substack.com/p/seeing-thr...
The tyrannical “I” is hubris made manifest in grammar.
andrewfiala.substack.com/p/seeing-thr...
One of the worst outcomes of the Trump era? Pervasive cynicism | Opinion
“Cynicism corrupts society and deadens the soul. If everything is rotten, it may seem rational to give up. But then the snakes win.”
www.fresnobee.com
It can be difficult to maintain your faith in humanity in a stupid and indecent world. This is the challenge of the Trump era.
In this soul-draining era, we should be wary without wearying of humanity, or losing faith in the future.
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
In this soul-draining era, we should be wary without wearying of humanity, or losing faith in the future.
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Dr. King and Nonviolence in Violent Times
Learning lessons on nonviolence from Martin Luther King, Jr. and the nonviolent tradition
open.substack.com
Nonviolence is not quick or easy. State violence can be brutal. And political leadership is often stupid and sometimes wicked. But the hope is that in the long run human beings are better than this.
open.substack.com/pub/andrewfi...
open.substack.com/pub/andrewfi...
Moral Courage: Existing in the Face of Adversity
Martin Luther King, Jr. and other moral heroes: on finding the "courage to be" in dark times
andrewfiala.substack.com
Despite the darkness, it is possible to embrace the world with tenacity and joy. It is essential in these troubled times to find the courage to be.
andrewfiala.substack.com/p/moral-cour...
andrewfiala.substack.com/p/moral-cour...
Do not despair: In dark days, moral courage is required | Opinion
“When disaster strikes, we must fortify our commitment to the good against the temptations of cynicism and despair.”
www.fresnobee.com
In tragic circumstances your virtue will be tested.
Will you live as a citizen of a better world, or will you give in to cynicism and despair? In confronting this choice, you discover what you value and who you really are.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Will you live as a citizen of a better world, or will you give in to cynicism and despair? In confronting this choice, you discover what you value and who you really are.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Jan 7
Hubris and the Donroe Doctrine
Tragic Themes in the Trump Opera
open.substack.com
Here is a new column about Venezuela and Donald Trump's penchant for naming things after himself.
open.substack.com/pub/andrewfi...
open.substack.com/pub/andrewfi...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Jan 1
Toward a Wiser New Year
We can do better in 2026
open.substack.com
Toward a Wiser New Year
Resolve to do better. Review what went right and what went wrong. Release resentment. Let go of regret. Renew a commitment to virtue and wisdom. When things look dark, anticipate the dawn.
open.substack.com/pub/andrewfi...
Resolve to do better. Review what went right and what went wrong. Release resentment. Let go of regret. Renew a commitment to virtue and wisdom. When things look dark, anticipate the dawn.
open.substack.com/pub/andrewfi...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Dec 30
Fresno philosophy professor advises us to seek wisdom, maturity in 2026 | Opinion
“The turn of the new year is an opportunity to take stock of what we value, to let go of bad habits and to begin again.”
www.fresnobee.com
The turn of the new year is an opportunity to take stock of what we value, to let go of bad habits, and to begin again.
Reviewing, releasing and renewing are essential for living well. May you find wisdom in 2026, along with clarity, inspiration and joy.
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Reviewing, releasing and renewing are essential for living well. May you find wisdom in 2026, along with clarity, inspiration and joy.
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Dec 24
On Giving Birth to Hope at Christmas
Humanistic lessons from the Nativity
open.substack.com
In the dark of winter, when things look bleak and the forces of the world conspire against us, it may still be possible to hear the angels sing.
But the angels will not save us unless we take up the song ourselves.
open.substack.com/pub/andrewfi...
But the angels will not save us unless we take up the song ourselves.
open.substack.com/pub/andrewfi...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Dec 19
Why love of the game beats cheating and ambition in sports | Opinion
“Pouting prevents you from playing well, and a cheater’s medal is a tarnished reminder of misbehavior.”
www.sacbee.com
Recent controversies in the world of sports direct our attention to the ethics of sports and games.
The best human activities are done for their own sake.
Human happiness involves finding a game to love and playing it well — for its own sake.
Read more at: www.sacbee.com/opinion/arti...
The best human activities are done for their own sake.
Human happiness involves finding a game to love and playing it well — for its own sake.
Read more at: www.sacbee.com/opinion/arti...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Dec 19
Why love of the game beats cheating and ambition in sports | Opinion
“Pouting prevents you from playing well, and a cheater’s medal is a tarnished reminder of misbehavior.”
www.fresnobee.com
Cheating is as old as human history, as is bad sportsmanship and athletic corruption... Everyone can be tempted, at times, to behave badly.
You cannot experience the joy of sport unless you play for the love of the game.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
You cannot experience the joy of sport unless you play for the love of the game.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Nov 30
Giving thanks: finding the light amid darkness this Thanksgiving | Opinion
“In giving thanks, we should cultivate a humble, forgiving, cheerful and open mind,” writes Fresno State Philosophy Professor Andrew Fiala.
www.sacbee.com
Gratefulness is related to other virtues, such as compassion, humility and truthfulness, as well as mercy and forgiveness.
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Nov 30
Giving thanks: finding the light amid darkness this Thanksgiving | Opinion
“In giving thanks, we should cultivate a humble, forgiving, cheerful and open mind,” writes Fresno State Philosophy Professor Andrew Fiala.
www.fresnobee.com
Whether we think that good things come from God, Providence or from the world itself, it is wise to acknowledge all the goodness we enjoy. In giving thanks, we should cultivate a humble, forgiving, cheerful and open mind.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Pope Leo XIV’s important warning on ethics of AI and new technology | Opinion
“Whether we are enhancing or undermining our humanity ought to be the focus of moral reflection on new technology.”
www.sacbee.com
It’s a long way from Silicon Valley to the Vatican, but the journey may be enlightening....
It will be exciting to see what the wizards of Silicon Valley will come up with next. But wizardry without wisdom is dangerous.
Read more at: www.sacbee.com/opinion/arti...
It will be exciting to see what the wizards of Silicon Valley will come up with next. But wizardry without wisdom is dangerous.
Read more at: www.sacbee.com/opinion/arti...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Pope Leo XIV’s important warning on ethics of AI and new technology | Opinion
“Whether we are enhancing or undermining our humanity ought to be the focus of moral reflection on new technology.”
www.fresnobee.com
At the dawn of the age of artificial intelligence, we need a corresponding new dawn of critical moral judgment. Now is the time for us to think deeply about the philosophy of technology and the values expressed or embodied in our tools.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Nov 9
The Trump administration’s call for a religious revival is worrying | Opinion
“Our political leaders have a ‘free exercise’ right to pray. But this becomes problematic when the government leads a religious revival.”
www.fresnobee.com
Perhaps a religious revival could help our nation. But which faith would lead it? And what about a revival of science and rationality? If there is to be a revival, it should be the work of free citizens. Its not the business of the government.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Oct 20
Trump’s federal crackdowns risk eroding peaceful assembly rights | Opinion
“Legal authorities should protect both protesters and counter-protesters, who each have a right to protest.”
www.sacbee.com
It is antithetical to the idea of liberty to prevent people from gathering in public. But the right to assembly has often been at risk. Recent crackdowns against protest and dissent risk violating that right, as well as freedom of speech.
Read more at:
www.sacbee.com/opinion/arti...
Read more at:
www.sacbee.com/opinion/arti...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Oct 20
Trump’s federal crackdowns risk eroding peaceful assembly rights | Opinion
“Legal authorities should protect both protesters and counter-protesters, who each have a right to protest.”
www.fresnobee.com
Now is a crucial time to think about our basic rights. Among our rights are the rights to peacefully assemble, and to petition the government. The right to petition and assemble allows us to gather in protests, marches and demonstrations.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Oct 6
Now is the time to speak up in defense of the Constitution, basic rights | Opinion
“The president even suggested that it is ‘illegal’ for reporters to write negative stories.“
www.fresnobee.com
Progress can and does happen. Bad laws can be repealed, bad leaders can be voted out, and wisdom can replace stupidity. But this can only happen if we are free to express ourselves.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Jul 30
Christian Nationalism and the Paradox of Secularism
"Christian Nationalism and the Paradox of Secularism" published on 28 Apr 2025 by Brill.
brill.com
My new book is "Christian Nationalism and the Paradox of Secularism."
It explains the Christian Nationalist challenge, while useing American sources, Christian theology, and modern political philosophy to argue against Christian nationalism.
brill.com/display/titl...
It explains the Christian Nationalist challenge, while useing American sources, Christian theology, and modern political philosophy to argue against Christian nationalism.
brill.com/display/titl...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Jul 30
Declaration of Independence was rooted in Enlightenment ideals, not divinity | Opinion
“To suggest that these authors were inspired to create a Christian nation is simply false.”
www.fresnobee.com
The Declaration of Independence is a secular, humanistic document. Our rights may come from God, the creator, or the laws of nature. But government is a human creation. It is “we, the people” who create governments, and alter or abolish them.
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Jun 29
Against Warmongering – Andrew Fiala, Ph.D.
andrewfiala.com
As soldiers deploy on American streets and bombs rain down on foreign cities, we need to think more carefully about the justification of war. We also need to listen carefully to the critics of war, whose voices are often drowned out by the warmonger’s ranting.
andrewfiala.com/against-warm...
andrewfiala.com/against-warm...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Jun 29
On Trump and Iran: Warmongering and the dangers of justifying violence | Opinion
“As soldiers deploy on American streets and bombs rain down on foreign cities, we need to think more carefully about the justification of war.”
www.fresnobee.com
Very few wars live up to the moral ideal. Good people die. Bad guys sometimes win. Atrocities are committed. And noble soldiers suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury. Warmongering ignores this.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· May 25
Motherhood and Choice: Keeping our Eyes Wide Open – Andrew Fiala, Ph.D.
andrewfiala.com
In a free country, we must be allowed to pursue familial joy on our own terms.
andrewfiala.com/motherhood-a...
andrewfiala.com/motherhood-a...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· May 25
Fertility clinic bombing in Palm Springs sheds light on nihilistic violence | Opinion
“Pessimism and nihilism are perennial problems. They indicate a deep challenge for the human spirit.”
www.fresnobee.com
Nihilism is a philosophical dead-end.
If we understand our unique capacity to wonder about the meaning of life, we may also realize how wonderful it is to exist as beings who think, question and create.
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
If we understand our unique capacity to wonder about the meaning of life, we may also realize how wonderful it is to exist as beings who think, question and create.
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· May 4
Imagining a Pragmatic Post-Identitarian Peace - শুদ্ধস্বর
Once we realize that most identities are ephemeral social constructions, killing for such abstract, arbitrary, and transitory things as nations, religions, or civilizations will end.
shuddhashar.com
Identitarian movements can become dogmatic, fanatical, and violent. When we understand that most identities are ephemeral social constructions, we may begin to imagine a path toward peace.
Imagining a Pragmatic Post-Identitarian Peace - শুদ্ধস্বর shuddhashar.com/imagining-a-...
Imagining a Pragmatic Post-Identitarian Peace - শুদ্ধস্বর shuddhashar.com/imagining-a-...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· May 4
Imagining a Pragmatic Post-Identitarian Peace - শুদ্ধস্বর
Once we realize that most identities are ephemeral social constructions, killing for such abstract, arbitrary, and transitory things as nations, religions, or civilizations will end.
shuddhashar.com
Human beings should stop fighting about the abstractions of religion, politics, and identity. Too many tears have been shed in defense of empty words. And too much blood has been spilt over lines drawn in the sand.
shuddhashar.com/imagining-a-...
shuddhashar.com/imagining-a-...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Apr 27
Easter offers an extremely relevant anti-tyrannical political message | Opinion
“If it seems that we are more Roman than Christian these days, it can help to recall that the hero of Easter is Jesus and not Pontius Pilate.”
www.fresnobee.com
Easter is anti-tyrannical.
If it seems that we are more Roman than Christian these days, it can help to recall that the hero of Easter is Jesus and not Pontius Pilate.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
If it seems that we are more Roman than Christian these days, it can help to recall that the hero of Easter is Jesus and not Pontius Pilate.
Read more at: www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
Andrew Fiala
@andrewfiala.bsky.social
· Apr 7
Artificial intelligence is already changing the world. But will it change our humanity? | Opinion
“The demands that other humans make upon us are infinitely more valuable than the cult of efficiency can imagine.”
www.fresnobee.com
To be human is not to be efficient. Rather, it is love, suffer and die. And that’s what no machine can ever do.
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...
www.fresnobee.com/opinion/read...