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
26 snips
May 19, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 367: Hume on the Foundations of Ethics (Part One)
Explore the intriguing roots of morality as David Hume argues that our ethical sentiments shape our understanding of right and wrong. Discover how cultural differences influence moral perspectives and the role of utility in ethical behavior. The discussion critiques nihilism and examines the delicate balance between sentiment and reason in making moral judgments. Delve into the complex relationship between empathy, individual virtues, and societal norms, revealing how emotional reactions profoundly impact our ethical evaluations.
May 12, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 366: Edith Stein on Empathy (Part Two)
The discussion dives into Edith Stein's insights on empathy, contrasting direct and indirect experiences. Philosophical implications and moral significance are highlighted, especially regarding how we understand ourselves and others. The speakers explore empathy's evolutionary roots and its existence across species, raising questions about human exceptionalism. Memory's role in empathy is also examined, along with the ethical complexities of empathizing with individuals who commit harmful acts. Insightful debates on fellow feeling vs. emotional contagion further enrich the conversation.
May 9, 2025 • 11min
PREMIUM-PEL Sentimentalism Nightcap 2025
We put our recent episodes on moral phenomenology into perspective, anticipating our upcoming Hume discussion and going through some other options to enrich this study of sentiment vs. rational intuition. Plus, more potential author-guests and recent philosophy book coverage. If you're not hearing the full version of this discussion, sign up via one of the options described at partiallyexaminedlife.com/support.
13 snips
May 5, 2025 • 44min
Ep. 366: Edith Stein on Empathy (Part One)
Explore the dynamic and complex nature of empathy as discussed through Edith Stein's lens. The conversation distinguishes between empathy and sympathy, highlighting how we can enter another's feelings without losing our individuality. Delve into the philosophical intricacies of phenomenology and the significance of lived experiences. The dialogue challenges conventional views on empathy, showing it as a learned faculty connected to perception, self-awareness, and human relationships. Tune in for rich insights into how understanding others enhances our own identities.
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.
23 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.
