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 16, 2025 • 48min
Ep. 369: Philippa Foot's Naturalistic Ethics (Part One)
Delve into Philippa Foot's intriguing idea of 'Natural Goodness' and its biological basis for ethics. Discover the philosophical tension between is and ought, exploring Hume's insights on moral judgments. The conversation unfolds using the metaphor of an oak tree to examine naturalistic criteria for goodness. Listen as the hosts navigate the complexities of practical rationality and moral sentiments. They also discuss modern ethical dilemmas, blending philosophical theory with real-world entrepreneurial challenges.
Jun 15, 2025 • 1h 18min
PEL Presents NEM#232: Chris Church Refines Power Pop
Chris Church, a seasoned singer-songwriter from North Carolina, dives into his extensive music career, highlighting his evolution in power pop through key tracks like "She Looks Good in Black." He shares memorable stories from opening for legendary bands in the 90s and discusses the emotional depth in his latest album, emphasizing authenticity in songwriting. The podcast also touches on the beauty of imperfections in music production and explores his creative collaborations, reflecting on the influence of icons like Todd Rundgren in shaping his unique sound.
Jun 9, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 368: Hume on Reason in Ethics (Part Two)
Dive into Hume's exploration of moral sentiments and their role in shaping our ethical judgments. The discussion contrasts emotional responses with rationality, examining complex topics like sociopathy and the ethics of incest. Discover how societal norms influence our perceptions of morality and the interplay of reason and sentiment in ethical decision-making. The conversation also touches on contemporary dilemmas, inviting listeners to reflect on their own moral beliefs within Hume's intriguing philosophy.
Jun 7, 2025 • 50min
PEL Presents PMP#198: Andor: Grown-Up Star Wars
Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al discuss Tony Gilroy's Star Wars Disney+ two-season TV show. Should this actually be a Star Wars show given how different in tone it was? The show adds meat (and banality!) to the evil of the Empire and the rough life of a rebel. We talk characters, themes, settings, and all that other literary stuff. 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.
Jun 2, 2025 • 45min
Ep. 368: Hume on Reason in Ethics (Part One)
Dive into David Hume's fascinating exploration of morality, where reason battles emotion in ethical judgments. Discover how virtues stem from personal feelings rather than objective logic, challenging ascetic practices. Unpack the interplay between desire, reason, and sentiment, and appreciate the crucial role of empathy in decision-making. Contrast Hume's ethical views with those of Aristotle and Kant, while examining how innate instincts shape our moral sentiments. This rich discussion reveals the complexities of merging passion with reason in understanding ethics.
May 26, 2025 • 46min
Ep. 367: Hume on the Foundations of Ethics (Part Two)
Dive into Hume's analysis of justice, revealing its social construct origins and vital role in ethics. Discover contrasting views on property rights that highlight the tension between ownership and societal welfare. Explore how morality emerges from societal conventions rather than metaphysical beliefs, and navigate the complexities of virtue and ethical relativism. Delve into the connections between utility and aesthetics, and examine the psychological influences on our moral judgments. A lively discussion wraps up with an exploration of Hume's is-ought distinction.
26 snips
May 19, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 367: Hume on the Foundations of Ethics (Part One)
Explore the intriguing roots of morality as David Hume argues that our ethical sentiments shape our understanding of right and wrong. Discover how cultural differences influence moral perspectives and the role of utility in ethical behavior. The discussion critiques nihilism and examines the delicate balance between sentiment and reason in making moral judgments. Delve into the complex relationship between empathy, individual virtues, and societal norms, revealing how emotional reactions profoundly impact our ethical evaluations.
May 12, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 366: Edith Stein on Empathy (Part Two)
The discussion dives into Edith Stein's insights on empathy, contrasting direct and indirect experiences. Philosophical implications and moral significance are highlighted, especially regarding how we understand ourselves and others. The speakers explore empathy's evolutionary roots and its existence across species, raising questions about human exceptionalism. Memory's role in empathy is also examined, along with the ethical complexities of empathizing with individuals who commit harmful acts. Insightful debates on fellow feeling vs. emotional contagion further enrich the conversation.
May 9, 2025 • 11min
PREMIUM-PEL Sentimentalism Nightcap 2025
We put our recent episodes on moral phenomenology into perspective, anticipating our upcoming Hume discussion and going through some other options to enrich this study of sentiment vs. rational intuition. Plus, more potential author-guests and recent philosophy book coverage. If you're not hearing the full version of this discussion, sign up via one of the options described at partiallyexaminedlife.com/support.
13 snips
May 5, 2025 • 44min
Ep. 366: Edith Stein on Empathy (Part One)
Explore the dynamic and complex nature of empathy as discussed through Edith Stein's lens. The conversation distinguishes between empathy and sympathy, highlighting how we can enter another's feelings without losing our individuality. Delve into the philosophical intricacies of phenomenology and the significance of lived experiences. The dialogue challenges conventional views on empathy, showing it as a learned faculty connected to perception, self-awareness, and human relationships. Tune in for rich insights into how understanding others enhances our own identities.
