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
Apr 28, 2025 • 53min
Ep. 365: Scheler on Love (Part Two)
We conclude our treatment of Max Scheler's The Nature of Sympathy (1922), getting further into the Part II of the book about love and hatred and grappling with the puzzles about what exactly it is we love about someone (the "personality"). Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. If you enjoy our podcast, check out Working Class History at workingclasshistory.com.
Apr 21, 2025 • 46min
Ep. 365: Scheler on Love (Part One)
This discussion dives into Max Scheler's views on love and ethics, emphasizing that love is a powerful force that helps individuals realize their potential. The hosts unpack the differences between deep emotional connections and superficial feelings, advocating for a personal approach to love. They debunk societal norms around romance, insisting that true love recognizes individuality. The conversation also touches on the roles of paternal and maternal love, emphasizing how each influences one's sense of personhood and identity.
7 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 364: Max Scheler on Sympathy (Part Three)
Dive into the complexities of sympathy through Max Scheler's lens, where fellow feeling transcends mere identification. Explore how true empathy allows for presence with others' emotions without being overwhelmed. The tension between individualism and moral engagement is dissected, alongside philosophical musings on pity's role in resilience. Engaging with emotions like joy and envy, the discussion reveals the rich tapestry of human experience, challenging simplistic views of sympathy.
Apr 7, 2025 • 52min
Ep. 364: Max Scheler on Sympathy (Part Two)
The podcast dives deep into Max Scheler's exploration of sympathy and its ethical implications. It critiques moral sentimentalism, emphasizing that understanding others' emotions is complex and transcends mere imitation. The discussion contrasts genuine empathy with emotional contagion, revealing how group dynamics shape individual feelings. It also examines the intricacies of grief, questioning if true empathy can exist within collective sorrow. Additionally, it explores the interplay between love, individuality, and ethical understanding, challenging existing views on sympathy.
Mar 31, 2025 • 47min
Ep. 364: Max Scheler on Sympathy (Part One)
Dive into Max Scheler's intriguing exploration of sympathy and fellow feeling, unraveling their ethical implications. The discussion sets apart genuine sympathy from mere identification, emphasizing the necessity for individuality in ethical understanding. From critiquing emotional engagement to examining the pitfalls of total unity, the speakers navigate the intricate relationships between empathy and personal identity. They also tackle the biological roots of moral emotions, challenging us to rethink our connections while honoring our distinct selves.
20 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
PEL Presents Closereads: Husserl on Perceiving Minds
Dive into the phenomenology of ethics through the lens of Edmund Husserl. Explore how we perceive not just our bodies but also the minds of others. Discover the unique interplay between naturalism and personalism, and the impact on self-perception. Unpack the complex relationship between materialism, metaphysics, and consciousness in understanding our sensory experiences. Learn about mirror neurons and their role in recognizing intentional actions, showing the deep connections between our perceptions of ourselves and others.
Mar 24, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 363: Franz Brentano's Moral Epistemology (Part Two)
Dive into the moral philosophies of Franz Brentano, unpacking how we determine right from wrong. The conversation examines the relationship between emotional states and moral choices, questioning whether pleasure can truly be the ultimate moral guide. Delve into the complexities of moral love, exploring how societal norms shape our desires and judgments. The critique of utilitarianism highlights the balance between personal preferences and the common good, inviting reflection on virtues like love and self-sacrifice in ethical decision-making.
4 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 363: Franz Brentano's Moral Epistemology (Part One)
Delve into Franz Brentano's fascinating insights on moral epistemology. Discover how he argues that certain preferences are innately good, beyond cultural influences. The discussion explores the origins of moral truths and critiques inherent moral principles. Unpack the complexities of moral intuitionism and the relationship between instinctual behavior and ethical reasoning. The hosts tackle the independence of moral truth from societal norms, encouraging a deeper understanding of ethics through phenomenology.
Mar 10, 2025 • 51min
Ep. 362: Ecclesiastes: Biblical Existentialism? (Part Two)
Jesse Peterson, an author specializing in Ecclesiastes, dives deep into the philosophical musings of this ancient text. He explores the concept of life's absurdity and its parallels with Greek Skepticism and Stoicism. The conversation touches on the futility of human striving, the tension between wisdom and sorrow, and the quest for legacy. Peterson emphasizes finding joy amidst the vanity of life, arguing for a balance between individual desires and communal values while enjoying the small moments that make existence worthwhile.
11 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 45min
Ep. 362: Ecclesiastes: Biblical Existentialism? (Part One)
Jesse M. Peterson, an assistant professor specializing in biblical studies, dives into the philosophical depths of Ecclesiastes. He explores profound themes of meaning, futility, and the quest for recognition versus pleasure, raising questions about life's transience. The conversation highlights the tension between earthly existence 'under the sun' and potential eternal outcomes, examining how these ancient texts resonate with modern existential inquiries. Peterson's insights invite listeners to reflect on the complexities of wisdom and suffering in the search for significance.
