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Andrew Fiala on Muck Rack

Andrew Fiala

Covers:  Ethics, Religion, Politics, Secularism, Constitution, Philosophy, War and Peace
Philosophy Professor, Fresno State. Columnist, Fresno Bee. Author of Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues. muckrack.com/andrew-fiala

Interview

What was your first job as a journalist?

I've been writing opinion columns for a long time as part of my job as Director of the Ethics Center.

How is social media changing news?

We need to slow down and think. There is too much fast/reactive banter and not enough civil discourse and critical reflection.

Who's your favorite fictional journalist?

Socrates (a character created by Plato!)

What does it mean to be a journalist?

Philosophers have always pursued truth through critical thinking. That's what journalists should do as well.

How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?

I don't take 'pitches' but am interested in ethical dilemmas, religious conflict, issues involving secularism and liberty.

Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?

Nope

What story are you most proud of writing or working on?

I like making connections between current events and perennial wisdom. Like this column on violence: https://www.fresnobee.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/andrew-fiala/article243306536.html.

When's the best time to pitch you?

I'm a professor with strange hours

What's your favorite drink?

Coffee

When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?

Hiking, climbing, skiing, biking

Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?

The Nation, The New Yorker, The Atlantic

What's the most common misperception about your beat?

We need more philosophers to write for the general public. We need the insights of perennial wisdom to inform current affairs.

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