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
10 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 43min
Ep. 338: Aristotle on Potential vs. Actual and the Unmoved Mover (Part Two)
Exploring Aristotle's ideas on potential vs. actual, the Meno problem, and the Unmoved Mover's influence on beings' actualization. Delving into form, matter, causality, and completeness. Discussing God's contemplation, divinity participation, and order in the universe. Also, analyzing non-natural causation and metaphysical problems in Aristotle's philosophy.
12 snips
Mar 25, 2024 • 45min
Ep. 338: Aristotle on Potential vs. Actual and the Unmoved Mover (Part One)
Delving into Aristotle's metaphysics, the podcast explores the contrast between potentiality and actuality, discusses the existence of God, and compares Aristotle's dynamic process philosophy with Plato's static forms. It emphasizes understanding potency in various contexts, examining how entities manifest qualities through potency, and exploring examples like water transforming into different states and the growth of an acorn into an oak tree.
Mar 22, 2024 • 10min
PREMIUM-PEL Nightcap w/ Chris Sunami (March 2024)
The podcast discusses the editor's background, meeting celebrities, scientists' attitudes towards philosophy, and future episodes. They explore communication improvement, reflections on fame and interactions, and the complexities of meeting idols.
Mar 18, 2024 • 44min
Ep. 337: Aristotle on Primary Being (Part Two)
Exploring Aristotle's concept of essence and identity, contrasting with Plato. How essences are received from previous things. Essence as the instantiated form with material for thinghood. Aristotle's views on potency, actuality, and unity in organisms and inanimate objects.
Mar 11, 2024 • 45min
Ep. 337: Aristotle on Primary Being (Part One)
Delving into Aristotle's Metaphysics, the podcast discusses primary being as the substantial form in individual animals, challenging previous views on substance and essence. It explores the unity of beings through essence, navigates the paradox of universals and particulars, and delves into the essence of things. The conversation touches on substance as primary being, Aristotle's concept of thinghood, distinctions between animals and plants, and the significance of 'thisness' in defining entities.
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.
