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
Sep 1, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 374: Discussing Liberalism (Lincoln, et al) with Walter Sterling (Part Two)
In this engaging discussion, Walter Sterling, president of St. John's College and a scholar of liberal education, dives into the complexities of liberal democracy. He reflects on the critiques of Patrick Deneen, contrasting individual rationality with communal norms. The conversation touches on the challenges of identity politics and the need for robust civic education. Sterling argues that liberal democracy can protect minority cultures while exploring the fragility of judicial independence and the hope for civic renewal through shared virtues.
Aug 25, 2025 • 47min
Ep. 374: Discussing Liberalism (Lincoln, et al) with Walter Sterling (Part One)
Join J. Walter Sterling, President of St. John's College, as he dives into the pressing crisis of liberal democracy. The discussion covers Lincoln's insights on political institutions and critiques modern works like Pinker's and Deneen's. Sterling emphasizes the importance of liberal education in combating hyper-partisanship and fostering civic engagement. The conversation also explores the delicate balance between revolutionary change and the rule of law, highlighting how character and education are key in sustaining democratic values and navigating pluralistic beliefs.
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!
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 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.
13 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.
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.
