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
Aug 23, 2025 • 58min
PEL Presents Closereads: Peter Railton's "Moral Realism" (Wrap Up)
The hosts wrap up their insightful analysis of Peter Railton's 'Moral Realism', engaging with the works of Hume, Kant, and others. They dive into the moral complexities of self-interest versus obligation through the knave dilemma. The discussion links moral philosophy with political identity, contrasting liberal and authoritarian ideologies. They tackle the ethical dilemmas surrounding nationalism and immigration, while questioning the essence of moral obligation and the role of empirical evidence in ethics. Finally, they critique intuitionist theories and tease future talks on Hegel.
12 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 1min
Ep. 373: Michael Walzer on Just Wars (Part Two)
Dive into the moral maze of just and unjust wars with Michael Walzer's insights. Discover when it might be acceptable to strike first or intervene in another country's affairs. The discussion navigates historical examples like the American Civil War and the Six-Day War, emphasizing the complexities of military justification. Explore the balance between state sovereignty and individual rights during humanitarian crises, and learn how historical context shapes perceptions of intervention. It's a thought-provoking examination of ethics in warfare!
Aug 17, 2025 • 50min
PEL Presents PMP#203: What Superman?
In light of the new James Gunn film Superman, Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al talk about the character, his stories, and past films and shows. Did Zack Snyder (Man of Steel) miss the point? Are the Richard Donner films (chiefly 1978's Superman: The Movie) as good as nostalgia would have us recall them? How does one write a convincing plot centered around a flawless, basically all-powerful hero? How should the Lex Luthor character fit in? Get an ad-free experience, plus bonus talking for this and nearly every episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop for only the tiniest per-month financial pledge, or you can sign up directly with Apple Podcasts for a subscription for ad-free and bonus material for three of Mark's podcasts together on the Mark Lintertainment Podcasts Channel.
Aug 16, 2025 • 1h 12min
PEL Presents NEM #236: Tee Templeton's Psychedelic Ending
...OK, maybe not his ending, but it's a late career boost into overdrive: This 66-year-old has been making music since the '80s, but you're only going to find two of his releases on the streaming services right now, and only this new album (released 20 years after the previous one) has the polish to count as a world-conquering, professional release. We discuss two songs from this new album Diner of Doubt: "My Dead Friend," and "I Have a Lotta Dreams," plus "Build Another One" (and the intro, "Chinese Lights") from Might Could Have (2004). End song: "Oh Dee Oh Oh" (2023). More at teetempleton.com. Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Support us on Patreon. Sponsors: Visit functionhealth.com/NAKEDLY to take control of your health through testing and get $100 off your membership. Check out The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers for discussion of classic albums with cool guests.
8 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 47min
Ep. 373: Michael Walzer on Just Wars (Part One)
Explore the moral justifications for war with Michael Walzer's insights on self-defense versus aggression. The conversation navigates the complexities of Just War Theory in modern contexts, like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Delve into philosophical dilemmas surrounding state sovereignty, individual rights, and the ethical implications of aggression. Learn about the legalist paradigms that govern warfare and the challenges of enforcing justice in international relations, all while emphasizing the balance between realism and moral values.
Aug 10, 2025 • 53min
PEL Presents Philosophy vs. Improv #98: Ragnarocking
The speakers dive into the art of giving compelling speeches, questioning authenticity in improvisation while tackling commercial pressures. They explore the grammatical quirks and cultural significance of 'Ragnarok,' bringing lightness to serious themes. The conversation shifts to AI in education, balancing its benefits with academic integrity concerns. A humorous take on work-life balance surfaces as they muse about a Bahamas vacation, and they tackle the evolving job market and its implications for income and human connection.
Aug 8, 2025 • 54min
PEL Presents PMP#202: 50-Year-Old Jaws Busts Our Block
Purported the first summer blockbuster, Jaws has now hit 50 years, and so we discuss this wonderful early Spielberg film, its ill-conceived sequels, some of the making-of docs, and the legacy of shark/big carnivore films that it spawned. Is the film as flawless as it's made out to be? Are the sequels as awful as typically described? Mark. Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al discuss! Get an ad-free experience, plus bonus talking for this and nearly every episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop for only the tiniest per-month financial pledge, or you can sign up directly with Apple Podcasts for a subscription for ad-free and bonus material for three of Mark's podcasts together on the Mark Lintertainment Podcasts Channel.
Aug 4, 2025 • 47min
Ep. 372: Kant's Ethics Lectures (Part Two)
Delve into Kant's intriguing ethical framework where duties to oneself take precedence. Explore the complexities of personal integrity and charity as a moral obligation. Unravel the intricacies of desire, autonomy, and the ethical dilemmas of suicide and self-harm. Examine how societal shame influences our understanding of sexuality and objectification. Discover the layers of love—from erotic connections to ethical obligations—and how they intertwine with personal rights and humane treatment in relationships.
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 14min
PEL Presents NEM#235: Willie Nile's Poetic Rock Anthems
New York singer-songwriter Willie has released sixteen albums since 1980. He has opened for The Who and Bruce Springsteen, among others, but rejected the major label life after his first two albums. We discuss "An Irish Goodbye" (feat. Paul Brady) from The Great Yellow Light (2025) (and listen at the end to "Wake Up, America" feat. Steve Earle from that album), "Cell Phones Ringing (In the Pockets of the Dead)" from Streets of New York (2006), and the title track from Places I Have Never Been (1991). Intro: "Vagabond Moon" from Willie Nile (1980). Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Support us on Patreon. Sponsor: Visit functionhealth.com/NAKEDLY to take control of your health through testing and get $100 off your membership.
12 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 372: Kant's Ethics Lectures (Part One)
Dive into Kant's intriguing 1785 ethics lectures that reveal deeper insights into ethical motivation. Discover how rationality can spark genuine moral feelings and the balance between self-respect and societal duties. Explore the conflicts between Kant's anti-consequentialism and Aristotle’s virtue ethics. The discussion also contrasts Kant with Hume, addressing moral psychology and the essence of true freedom. With connections to modern culture, even Harry Potter serves as a contemporary lens for understanding Kantian morality.
