
The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast
The Partially Examined Life is a podcast by some guys who were at one point set on doing philosophy for a living but then thought better of it. Each episode, we pick a short text and chat about it with some balance between insight and flippancy. You don't have to know any philosophy, or even to have read the text we're talking about to (mostly) follow and (hopefully) enjoy the discussion. For links to the texts we discuss and other info, check out www.partiallyexaminedlife.com.
We also feature episodes from other podcasts by our hosts to round out your partially examined life, including Pretty Much Pop (prettymuchpop.com, covering all media), Nakedly Examined Music (nakedlyexaminedmusic.com, deconstructing songs), Philosophy vs. Improv (philosophyimprov.com, fun with performance skills and philosophical ideas), and (sub)Text (subtextpodcast.com, looking deeply at lit and film). Learn about more network podcasts at partiallyexaminedlife.com.
Latest episodes

Apr 21, 2025 • 46min
Ep. 365: Scheler on Love (Part One)
This discussion dives into Max Scheler's views on love and ethics, emphasizing that love is a powerful force that helps individuals realize their potential. The hosts unpack the differences between deep emotional connections and superficial feelings, advocating for a personal approach to love. They debunk societal norms around romance, insisting that true love recognizes individuality. The conversation also touches on the roles of paternal and maternal love, emphasizing how each influences one's sense of personhood and identity.

Apr 18, 2025 • 53min
PEL Presents PMP#194: Adolescence Wrecks Us
We watched the 4-part British crime series that's become #1 in 80 countries, breaking Netflix's records for an original series. And man, was it a bummer. But important! We reflect on the purpose of the show, its one-take-per-episode format, the choice of whose perspectives to show, the crazy good acting by such a young person, and we get a little education about incel culture. How have things changed since we were kids? For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear this ad-free with bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.

7 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 364: Max Scheler on Sympathy (Part Three)
Dive into the complexities of sympathy through Max Scheler's lens, where fellow feeling transcends mere identification. Explore how true empathy allows for presence with others' emotions without being overwhelmed. The tension between individualism and moral engagement is dissected, alongside philosophical musings on pity's role in resilience. Engaging with emotions like joy and envy, the discussion reveals the rich tapestry of human experience, challenging simplistic views of sympathy.

Apr 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
PEL Presents PvI#91: Community Breakdown (or Breakdance?) w/ Nick Armstrong
In this lively discussion, Nick Armstrong, an actor and improviser who directs Camp Improv Utopia, dives into the essence of community in both improv and business. He shares humorous anecdotes about absurd neighborhood watch practices and the trials of underage drinking. They explore the importance of empathy, collaboration, and the challenges of balancing artistic values with financial realities. With witty reflections on customer service and the quirks of social interactions, Nick illustrates the vibrant dynamics that bind communities together.

Apr 7, 2025 • 52min
Ep. 364: Max Scheler on Sympathy (Part Two)
The podcast dives deep into Max Scheler's exploration of sympathy and its ethical implications. It critiques moral sentimentalism, emphasizing that understanding others' emotions is complex and transcends mere imitation. The discussion contrasts genuine empathy with emotional contagion, revealing how group dynamics shape individual feelings. It also examines the intricacies of grief, questioning if true empathy can exist within collective sorrow. Additionally, it explores the interplay between love, individuality, and ethical understanding, challenging existing views on sympathy.

Apr 3, 2025 • 55min
PEL Presents PMP#193: Severance: Mystery Box in Progress
Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn and Al here discuss the sci-fi/office dramedy in light of its second season. We might normally wait until the end of the show, but given that season 1 was 2022, and it took three years to get us season 2, who knows it it'll actually finish? And who knows if it will not be massively disappointing at that point? We strike while the show is culturally relevant! But did even this season measure up to its phenomenal premise and first season? There are so many juicy plot and character elements on this show that we can't possibly fit them all in. For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear this ad-free with bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.

Mar 31, 2025 • 47min
Ep. 364: Max Scheler on Sympathy (Part One)
Dive into Max Scheler's intriguing exploration of sympathy and fellow feeling, unraveling their ethical implications. The discussion sets apart genuine sympathy from mere identification, emphasizing the necessity for individuality in ethical understanding. From critiquing emotional engagement to examining the pitfalls of total unity, the speakers navigate the intricate relationships between empathy and personal identity. They also tackle the biological roots of moral emotions, challenging us to rethink our connections while honoring our distinct selves.

Mar 30, 2025 • 1h 19min
PEL Presents NEM#229: Peter Holsapple (dB's, Continental Drifters) Pays Tribute to His Adolescence
Joining this discussion is Peter Holsapple, a renowned singer-songwriter celebrated for his work with The dB's and Continental Drifters, and collaborations with musical giants like R.E.M. Peter reflects on his extensive career since 1972, sharing insights about balancing creativity with nostalgia and personal loss. He highlights the emotional depth of songs like "Larger Than Life" and explores the power of music to connect with memories. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt tribute to artistry and the passage of time through the poignant track "Where Does the Time Go."

Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
PEL Presents Closereads: Husserl on Perceiving Minds
On Edmund Husserl's Ideas, Vol. 2 (1928), Section 3, "The Constitution of the Spiritual World," Ch. 1, "Opposition Between the Naturalistic and Personalistic Worlds." Given Husserl's method of "reduction" whereby he sets aside the metaphysical status of objects in the natural world (are they mind-independent or merely ideas?), we wanted to see how he accounts for our ability to directly perceive other people's minds. We don't just perceive their bodies and our own bodies and deduce that others must be like us mentally, but we perceive both our minds and those of others as strata (aspects) of physical bodies. Read along with us, starting on p. 183 (PDF p. 101). Sign up to support Closereads at patreon.com/closereadsphilosophy to get future parts of this discussion plus lots more content. Get all public Closereads episodes at closereadsphilosophy.com or on YouTube.

Mar 24, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 363: Franz Brentano's Moral Epistemology (Part Two)
Dive into the moral philosophies of Franz Brentano, unpacking how we determine right from wrong. The conversation examines the relationship between emotional states and moral choices, questioning whether pleasure can truly be the ultimate moral guide. Delve into the complexities of moral love, exploring how societal norms shape our desires and judgments. The critique of utilitarianism highlights the balance between personal preferences and the common good, inviting reflection on virtues like love and self-sacrifice in ethical decision-making.
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