The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast
Mark Linsenmayer, Wes Alwan, Seth Paskin, Dylan Casey
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 4, 2024 • 53min
Ep. 336: Aristotle on Being and Non-Contradiction (Part Two)
Exploring Aristotle's views on non-contradiction, determinacy in language, and the essence of things. Contrasting his perspective with Protagoras' relativism and delving into the necessity of determinacy for truth. Reflecting on historical philosophical debates and the enduring relevance of the principle of non-contradiction in contemporary discussions.
Mar 2, 2024 • 1h 29min
PEL Presents NEM#212: Graham Parker's Hard Graft
Exploring Graham Parker's evolution in the music industry, from his time with The Rumor to solo projects. Highlighting key tracks from his extensive discography, discussing challenges faced and unique arrangements. Tech in lyrics, Planet Fitness benefits, and the evolution of music production techniques. Enhancing song dynamics with harmonies, backing vocals, and crafting intricate harmonies. Analyzing musical elements, creative process, and exploring music production roles and challenges.
Feb 26, 2024 • 52min
Ep. 336: Aristotle on Being and Non-Contradiction (Part One)
Delve into Aristotle's Metaphysics and the law of non-contradiction. Explore being as distinct individuals and the challenges of defining entities. Learn about essence, natural kinds, and the role of God in causality. Discover Aristotle's views on entities, non-contradiction, and the essence of attributes in defining substances. Delve into negation, privation, contraries, and the philosopher's role in studying being. Explore the significance of contraries in defining existence and emotions according to Aristotle.
Feb 19, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 335: Aristotle on Fundamental Explanations (Part Two)
Delving into Aristotle's four types of causation and critiques of Platonic forms. Exploring concepts of formal, material, efficient causes in relation to change and completion. Analyzing conflicting substances to explain motion and the role of numbers and ratios in philosophy.
4 snips
Feb 12, 2024 • 46min
Ep. 335: Aristotle on Fundamental Explanations (Part One)
The podcast delves into Aristotle's approach to fundamental explanations, discussing the origins of metaphysics and the importance of wisdom in this realm. They explore the concept of love and strife in modern physics and the parallel between understanding and wisdom. The chapter also discusses experiential knowledge versus true knowledge, Plato and Aristotle's views on wisdom and knowledge, and the importance of understanding the essence of phenomena.
Feb 3, 2024 • 11min
PREMIUM-PEL Long Winter's Nightcap (Jan-Feb 2024)
We anticipate our upcoming series on Aristotle's Metaphysics by talking through some preliminary issues about the text including what translations we're reading. Is this book really "timeless," or is it like old, outdated science? Also, what kind of person becomes an ancient philosophy student? Plus (in the full discussion), we talk more about Mounk, Presidential disqualification, and more. If you're not hearing the full version of this discussion, sign up via one of the options described at partiallyexaminedlife.com/support.
Jan 29, 2024 • 54min
Ep. 334: Gabriel Marcel's Christian Existentialism (Part Two)
Continuing on "On the Ontological Mystery" (1933), we talk more about problems vs. mysteries: The latter implicate OURSELVES; we are not merely witnesses, but our involvement complicates things. Also, what makes Marcel an existentialist? Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and bonus content including a supporter-exclusive Nightcap anticipating our upcoming series on Aristotle's Metaphysics. Listen to a preview.
Jan 22, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 334: Gabriel Marcel's Christian Existentialism (Part One)
Discussing Gabriel Marcel's essay on the need for meaning; exploration of the meaning of life and ontology; critique of Cartesian subjectivity; an advertisement for Shopify's e-commerce platform; examination of St. John's College and philosophical concepts of being and self; critique of skepticism and the concept of presence; exploration of the significance of chance encounters.
Jan 20, 2024 • 1h 12min
PEL Presents NEM#209: Bruce Hornsby Is a Lifelong Student
Legendary musician Bruce Hornsby discusses his evolution of vocal style, collaborations with artists like Justin Vernon, Ezra Koenig, and James Mercer, the struggle of being a creative person, the inspiration behind his song 'My Resolve', and the process of creating a musical composition. He also talks about his admiration for The Shins and the sonic elements that influenced their collaboration.
12 snips
Jan 15, 2024 • 44min
Ep. 333: Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling" on Faith (Part Two)
The hosts discuss Kierkegaard's 'Fear and Trembling' and delve into the meaning of terms like infinite and universal. They explore the concept of the ethical and its connection to God and eternity. They also analyze the role of God's commands in ethical duty and debate the suspension of the ethical and creating a higher ethical framework. The podcast concludes with a discussion on faith and its application in everyday life.
