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The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast

Latest episodes

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Oct 14, 2024 • 49min

Ep. 352: Thomas Reid on Smelling and Knowledge (Part Two)

Dive into the intriguing world of Thomas Reid's philosophy, where human perception is put under the microscope. Discover how the senses of smell connect to memory and imagination, revealing our unique experience of reality. The debate between Aristotelian and Cartesian thought unveils the complexities of sensation and belief. Reid's critique of skepticism champions common sense as a path to understanding. Join a lively exploration of how sensory experiences shape our knowledge and the fascinating exchange between Reid and Hume.
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Oct 7, 2024 • 55min

Ep. 352: Thomas Reid on Smelling and Knowledge (Part One)

Delve into Thomas Reid's critique of modern philosophy's misconceptions about perception. Discover how our senses, especially smell, reveal deeper truths about reality, challenging traditional epistemological frameworks. Explore the relationships between sensory experiences and knowledge, emphasizing the complexity of human cognition. Engage with the philosophical battle against skepticism and the historical significance of language in shaping our understanding. Uncover how our sensory perceptions construct our reality, particularly through the fascinating lens of scent.
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Oct 5, 2024 • 14min

PREMIUM-Ep. 351: Sophie Grace Chappell on Transgender (Part Two)

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on transgender identity and philosophy. The conversation tackles the nuances of gender as a cluster concept, emphasizing individual experiences over essentialism. Explore the ethical implications of gender rights and how societal expectations intersect with personal identities. From the intricacies of terms to the practicalities of sports and bathrooms, this insightful dialogue reveals the complexities that shape transgender experiences and the ongoing quest for equity.
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7 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 53min

Ep. 351: Guest Sophie Grace Chappell on Transgender (Part One)

Join Sophie Grace Chappell, a British philosophy professor and author of "Trans Figured," as she discusses the intricate relationship between gender identity and societal norms. The conversation navigates the balance between biological differences and gender as a social construct, advocating for empathy and justice. Chappell also critiques traditional views of identity, emphasizing personal narratives and the need for fluid definitions of gender. The evolving feminist perspectives on trans inclusion and the role of language in shaping discourse round out this insightful discussion.
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Sep 23, 2024 • 52min

Ep. 350: Rorty on Justification and Essentialism (Part Two)

Richard Rorty, a key figure in pragmatism and anti-authoritarianism, shares provocative ideas on truth and democracy. He argues against the necessity of a theory of truth, claiming it can undermine democratic values. The conversation dives into truth's cultural variability and how language shapes our beliefs and political discourse. Rorty critiques philosophies that support totalitarianism, emphasizing inclusive understanding in political debates. He encourages a cultivated sense of wonder, underscoring its role in personal transformation and societal progress.
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9 snips
Sep 16, 2024 • 51min

Ep. 350: Rorty on Justification and Essentialism (Part One)

Philosopher Richard Rorty, known for his influential thoughts on pragmatism and anti-authoritarianism, dives into powerful ideas about democracy and truth. He argues that we don't need absolute truths to justify democratic values. Rorty dismisses the distinction between essential and accidental properties, proposing that everything is defined by its relations. The conversation also humorously navigates the divide between continental and analytic philosophies, championing a shift toward pan-relationalism to understand reality.
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Sep 9, 2024 • 51min

Ep. 349: Rorty's Pluralistic Pragmatism (Part Two)

Delve into Richard Rorty's views on pragmatism and religion, where he challenges the idea of privatizing beliefs and emphasizes the need for shared rationality. Explore the connections between pragmatism and greatness through human cooperation, critiquing existential ideals. Discuss the dynamics of consensus in a pluralistic society, alongside the role of skepticism. The conversation also highlights the significance of self-examination and the communal aspects of belief, revealing how poetry can foster a non-hierarchical approach to philosophical discourse.
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Sep 6, 2024 • 15min

PREMIUM-Closereads: Merleau-Ponty on the Body

Dive into Merleau-Ponty's transformative ideas on perception and the body. Discover how perception alters our understanding of objects, illustrated through the example of a house. Hear reflections on the philosophical landscapes shaped by thinkers like Heidegger. Explore the nuances of immediate versus derived perspectives and how they inform our experiences. Engage in a discussion that bridges phenomenological methodology with the essence of reality, all while connecting past philosophical dialogues to modern interpretations.
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Sep 2, 2024 • 47min

Ep. 349: Rorty's Pluralistic Pragmatism (Part One)

This discussion dives into Richard Rorty's unapologetic pragmatism, challenging authoritarian views on democracy and truth. The speakers examine how individual judgment shapes beliefs within a community, arguing that ethics and morality should evolve through collective dialogue. They tackle the differences between resemblance and representation in knowledge, and the dangers of discarding objective truths, cautioning against subjective tyranny. Additionally, the complexities of consensus in defining truth are explored, particularly regarding religion and its societal implications.
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Aug 26, 2024 • 51min

Ep. 348: Tim Williamson's Knowledge-First Epistemology (Part Two)

In this discussion, philosopher Tim Williamson delves into his Knowledge-First Epistemology, challenging conventional notions of knowledge and belief. He explores the nuances of justification versus excuse, highlighting how we often misinterpret evidence in forming beliefs. Williamson critiques relativism and skepticism with thought-provoking hypotheticals, such as the 'brain in a vat' scenario. The conversation also touches on moral implications of our epistemic views, emphasizing the intertwining of knowledge with ethical judgments.

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