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
40 snips
Nov 27, 2023 • 44min
Ep. 330: Kierkegaard's "Either/Or": The Aesthetic Life (Part One)
Exploring Kierkegaard's 'Either/Or' and the concept of living an artistic life, the challenges of commitment and pure possibility, and the flaws of choice. Reflecting on the excellence of Professor Lewis Mackie and ad sponsorship.
Nov 26, 2023 • 56min
PEL Presents (SUB)TEXT: The Emptiness of Signification in Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale" (Part 1 of 6)
Shakespeare's play The Winter's Tale is analyzed, discussing Leontes' misconceptions and his descent into madness. The concept of gratitude and its relation to hospitality is explored, along with Leontes' misinterpretation of information. The impotence of mental states, turning thanks into money, and the symbolism of imprisonment are also discussed.
Nov 25, 2023 • 53min
Ep. 329: Kierkegaard on Irony (Part Three/Closereads Part One)
The hosts explore the relationship between irony and truth in Kierkegaard's philosophy, discussing Shakespeare's use of irony in art. They delve into the challenges of maintaining artistic irony and navigating the misrelation between personal life and artistic work. The podcast also explores Kierkegaard's perspective on romanticism and the steps towards maturity in life. Additionally, it examines the role of irony in capturing poetic experiences and discusses the difficulties of understanding Kierkegaard's writing.
22 snips
Nov 20, 2023 • 53min
Ep. 329: Kierkegaard on Irony (Part Two)
The hosts discuss Kierkegaard's concept of irony and its relation to self-knowledge, examining its compatibility with Socratic ignorance. They explore irony's role in self-awareness and subjectivity throughout history. The chapter delves into inner infinity and its connection to irony, and the dangers and responsibilities of comedic irony. They analyze the negative aspects of romantic irony and its lack of bounds and restrictions, emphasizing the significance of freedom and discipline in art. They explore art as a means for individuals to express their subjective internal infinity.
5 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 41min
Ep. 329: Kierkegaard on Irony (Part One)
Exploring Kierkegaard's views on irony and its connection to subjectivity, including Socratic irony. Discussing the influence of irony on societal norms and its potential threat to established orders. Examining the significance of Socratic irony in the development of modern consciousness. Delving into the concept of romantic irony and its limitless quality. Exploring the connection between irony, freedom, and self-consciousness in Kierkegaard's philosophy.
Nov 10, 2023 • 10min
PREMIUM-Ep. 328: Yascha Mounk Against Identity Politics (Part Three)
Mark, Wes, Dylan, and Seth discuss Mounk's book 'The Identity Trap' and evaluate ideologies. They explore evaluating intellectual ideas, characterizing culture, and critiquing ideologies like wokeness. The hosts delve into liberalism, government's role in imposing values, and arbitrating different intuitions. Support the podcast.
4 snips
Nov 6, 2023 • 58min
Ep. 328: Guest Yascha Mounk Against Identity Politics (Part Two)
Yascha Mounk, an Author and Scholar, discusses the debate between classical liberalism and identity politics. The topics covered include cultural appropriation, free speech, racial segregation in schools, and the importance of empathy and imagination. The speaker reflects on the significance of this debate and argues for the importance of holding on to basic liberal notions.
16 snips
Oct 30, 2023 • 51min
Ep. 328: Guest Yascha Mounk Against Identity Politics (Part One)
Guest Yascha Mounk, an intellectual historian and defender of philosophical liberalism, discusses the drawbacks and dangers of identity politics, the use of essentialist notions of identity in contemporary politics, the problematic relationship to truth, the relationship between ideas and ideological critiques, the challenges of identity politics and the response of liberal democratic structures, and a discussion on standpoint theory and authentic voices.
Oct 28, 2023 • 12min
PREMIUM-PEL Fall Nightcap 2023
Topics discussed include bullshit in philosophy, expressing truths through bodily movement, horror movies, and the role of identity politics in hypocritical behavior.
Oct 23, 2023 • 52min
Ep. 327: Harry Frankfurt on Bullsh*t and Authenticity (Part Two)
Delving into Harry Frankfurt's essay on bullshit and authenticity, they explore the significance of truth, sincerity, and honesty. They discuss the importance of what we care about and its role in personal projects, relationships, and ideals. They delve into volitional necessity and its association with freedom, as well as the relationship between caring and the will. The podcast also explores belief, rituals, and bullshit psychology, and discusses surprising essays and definitions of deception.
