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
Jun 10, 2024 • 39min
Ep. 343: Plotinus the Neo-Platonist (Part One)
Guest Chris Sunami, a Neo-Platonist scholar, discusses Plotinus' philosophy focusing on 'the one' and metaphysical pursuits towards higher realities. Topics include the concept of beauty, the descent of the soul, and exploring the intricate connections between the good and the beautiful in Plotinus' work.
Jun 3, 2024 • 41min
Ep. 342: Zhuangzi on Knowledge and Virtue (Part Two)
Explore the connection between metaphysics and ethics in Daoist philosophy. Can a non-action philosophy coexist with fighting for justice? Reflect on the generative nature of language in Confucianism. Embrace fate while finding balance between resignation and action. Get updates on podcast projects and the host's musical endeavors.
May 27, 2024 • 43min
Ep. 342: Zhuangzi on Knowledge and Virtue (Part One)
Theo Brooks discusses Zhuangzi's philosophy touching on epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. Topics include knowing the mind of others, the ever-changing world, the Utmost Person, and the interconnectedness of all things. Delving into Zhuangzi's philosophy challenges traditional ideas and explores the fluidity of meaning and language.
May 20, 2024 • 1h 6min
Ep. 341 Supplemental: Zhuangzi for Closereads Evergreen Network Launch
Exploring the comparison between Daoism and other philosophies, the concept of being a Daoist sage to avoid harm, and the effective cicada catcher as a sage. Delving into the essence of Taoism, harmony with nature, and the pursuit of eternal life. Discussing the therapeutic benefits of stoicism, mental flexibility, and the importance of balancing detachment and engagement with the world.
May 13, 2024 • 58min
Ep. 341: Guest Karyn Lai on Daoism in the Zhuangzi
UNSW Sydney professor Karyn Lai discusses Daoist advice on virtue, political action, and perspectivism in the Zhuangzi text with the hosts. They explore themes like fasting the mind, teacher-student dynamics, and embracing transformation and fate. The conversation delves into living authentically, self-awareness, and the contrast between structured learning and spontaneity.
May 6, 2024 • 45min
Ep. 340: Brian Ellis on the Implications of Essentialism (Part Two)
Philosophy expert Chris Heath concludes on essentialism's metaphysical implications, discussing mind-independent objects, natural laws, and the relation to higher-level things like colors and human nature. The discussion challenges traditional intuitions and explores uncertainties in understanding reality, emphasizing the active nature of things, categorizations, emergent phenomena, and the interconnectedness of dispositional and essential properties.
Apr 29, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 340: Brian Ellis on the Implications of Essentialism (Part One)
Philosopher Brian Ellis discusses essentialism in physics and chemistry, emphasizing the distinctiveness of atoms and their behaviors. They explore the intrinsic dispositional nature of entities, challenge misconceptions about naming laws to objects, and delve into essentialism's significance in understanding natural laws, necessity, and causality.
Apr 22, 2024 • 53min
PEL 15th Anniversary and Book Release
Hosts reflect on 15 years of podcasting, book release, challenges of editing transcripts, academic recognition, sponsorship, inclusion of underrepresented philosophers, challenges and benefits of automated transcripts, journey to publishing a book, potential of a philosophical chatbot, embodiment of philosophical themes in daily life, lens replacement surgery, vision implant for enhanced vision, and reflections on podcast anniversary.
Apr 15, 2024 • 46min
Ep. 339: Brian Ellis on the Metaphysics of Science (Part Two)
Guest Chris Heath and the host discuss metaphysical realism, natural kinds, properties vs. predicates in science. They explore the complexities of understanding abstract concepts like quantum physics and the challenges of defining natural kinds in chemistry, biology, and physics. The conversation delves into hierarchical structures, dynamical world views, and the importance of dispositional properties in metaphysical discourse.
9 snips
Apr 8, 2024 • 51min
Ep. 339: Brian Ellis on the Metaphysics of Science (Part One)
Philosopher Brian Ellis discusses how the metaphysics of science underlies chemistry and physics, arguing that essential properties define entities like atoms, and scientific laws are necessary in all possible worlds. The podcast explores essentialism in various scientific disciplines, contrasts Hume's views on necessary connections with Descartes', delves into categorization in science, color perception, metaphysical necessity, and the laws of nature.
