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
Jul 27, 2025 • 1h
PEL Presents PvI#97: Peep Dome Pets w/ Merry Mary Hynes
Mary Hynes, a versatile LA Second City improv instructor and pet sitter, shares her humorous journey from sales to animal care. The conversation playfully imagines historical figures as pet owners, while exploring the quirks of exotic animals. They dive into the unique challenges of cat cafes and the philosophical dimensions of human-animal relationships, advocating for mutual care. The episode is filled with whimsical anecdotes about pets and auditions, alongside lively discussions about tabletop games and community in the arts.
4 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 56min
Ep. 371: Christine Korsgaard on Normativity (Part Two)
The conversation dives into Christine Korsgaard's fresh takes on Kant, focusing on how true autonomy arises from self-generated laws. The speakers examine the connection between personal identity and moral obligations, highlighting the tension between individual decisions and social influences. They also tackle the ethics of shared humanity, stressing that morality requires public reasons rather than self-interest. Additionally, Wittgenstein's arguments reveal the communal nature of meaning, connecting language to morality and underscoring the need for empathy in ethical discourse.
Jul 14, 2025 • 48min
Ep. 371: Christine Korsgaard on Normativity (Part One)
Dive into Christine Korsgaard's thought-provoking views on moral obligations and identity. Discover how personal identity shapes our moral responsibilities, and explore the Kantian connection to self-consciousness and duty. The discussion also tackles the intricate relationship between freedom and moral decision-making, challenging traditional rationality notions. Additional insights include innovative health data solutions and creative pest control methods, revealing the diverse intersection of ethics, identity, and practical concerns.
Jul 7, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 370: Christine Korsgaard on the History of Ethics (Part Two)
Dive into the complexities of moral philosophy as Christine Korsgaard examines reflective endorsement and its foundations in Hume's ideas. The conversation challenges the interplay of self-interest and virtue, questioning the validity of moral judgments. Ethical dilemmas, such as a family's choice during Nazi rule, highlight the intricacies of loyalty and obligation. Explore the struggle between subjective sentiments and universal morality, all while navigating modern connections and the influence of historical thinkers on ethical reasoning.
11 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 48min
Ep. 370: Christine Korsgaard on the History of Ethics (Part One)
Christine Korsgaard dives into the relationship between facts and moral obligations, blending historical views from Hobbes and Hume with her own Kantian philosophy. The conversation highlights the complexities of ethical decision-making and the subjective nature of values. It challenges listeners to consider how personal choices intersect with societal norms, and explores moral motivation through existentialism. Korsgaard's interpretations of normativity reveal deeper implications across ethics, logic, and individual health choices, paving the way for future philosophical explorations.
Jun 23, 2025 • 47min
Ep. 369: Philippa Foot's Naturalistic Ethics (Part Two)
Dive into the intricacies of moral reasoning with a focus on promise-keeping and its ethical implications. Explore how moral and natural goodness intersect, with thought-provoking examples like the trolley problem. Delve into the nuances of naturalistic ethics and the differences between human and animal moral frameworks. The conversation tackles complex topics like Moore's open question argument, emphasizing the interplay between moral obligations and personal circumstances. Engage with themes of integrity, rationality, and social responsibility in ethical decision-making.
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 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 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.
