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
Feb 24, 2025 • 57min
Ep. 361: Marx on Machines (Part Two)
Delve into Marx's critique of machinery and its dehumanizing impact on workers in a capitalist society. Personal anecdotes reveal the struggles of low-wage workers in factories and the service industry. Explore the alienation caused by modern automation and compare it to traditional craftsmanship. The discussion raises questions about the motivations behind technological advancements and the displacement of human labor. Finally, the podcast addresses the intricate relationship between capitalism, labor dynamics, and the implications for wealth distribution and leisure.
Feb 17, 2025 • 48min
Ep. 361: Marx on Machines (Part One)
Explore Marx's intriguing thoughts on mechanization and labor, revealing the complex relationship between machines and human roles in capitalism. Delve into the concept of commodity fetishism and how it shapes social dynamics. Uncover Marx's cautious views on communism, prioritizing historical realism over utopian ideals. Discover the essence of labor in creating communal value and the balance needed for efficient production. Finally, reflect on Marx's critique of capitalism and the evolving impact of technology on social structures and status.
Feb 10, 2025 • 51min
Ep. 360: Karl Marx on Economic Value (Part Two)
Dive deep into Marx’s theory of value, distinguishing between use value and exchange value. Explore the historical journey of money from barter systems to paper currency, and how labor shapes economic value. Discover the concept of commodity fetishism and its implications in capitalism. The discussion challenges traditional views on labor and highlights the significance of unpaid work. Unpack the social construction of value and the philosophical tensions around commodities that illuminate contemporary economic issues.
8 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 48min
Ep. 360: Karl Marx on Economic Value (Part One)
Dive into the intricacies of economic value as seen through Marx's 'Das Kapital.' Discover the crucial role of labor in determining what makes commodities valuable and how mechanization impacts this balance. Explore the distinctions between use value and exchange value, shedding light on the ethical implications of labor in capitalism. The conversation also tackles consumer perceptions, the historical context of economic exchange, and the evolving relationship between workers and employers in today's market.
Feb 1, 2025 • 1h
PEL Presents Closereads: Marx on Stirner (Part One)
The hosts dive into Marx's critique of Stirner, highlighting the distinction between common and enlightened egoism. They explore the implications of individualism, juxtaposing Stirner's theories with Marx's criticism. Delving into the nature of the true egoist reveals complex layers of self-interest versus selflessness. The conversation flows into Nietzschean perspectives, questioning the authenticity of altruism in a society driven by personal gain. Ultimately, the discussion navigates the balance between individual desires and community values, setting the stage for deeper philosophical inquiries.
Jan 27, 2025 • 52min
Ep. 359: Karl Marx's Project (Part Two)
Dive into the critiques of capitalist individualism and how our social relations shape who we are. Discover Marx's insightful perspectives on the interconnectedness of production, distribution, and exchange. Explore the impact of historical contexts on economic systems and the fascinating relationship between stability and transformation. The discussion humorously tackles the idea of plunder across civilizations while highlighting Marx's ongoing relevance in today's world. Engage with the nuances of ownership and the complexities of labor relations.
27 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 359: Karl Marx's Project (Part One)
Delve into the intriguing core concepts of Karl Marx's philosophies and his criticisms of political economy. The discussion highlights Marx's evolving thought and critiques of existing materialism, emphasizing practical engagement and the social impacts of labor. Explore the interconnectedness of production, distribution, and consumption, along with a critique of traditional economic views. The dialogue contrasts Marx's theories with those of Adam Smith, uncovering the complexities of individuality and social structures, and challenging fixed notions of human essence.
Jan 13, 2025 • 42min
Ep. 358: Max Stirner's Egoism (Part Two)
The discussion dives into Max Stirner's radical egoism, contrasting it sharply with liberal ideals. It critiques how liberalism oversimplifies identity, reducing individuals to mere qualities. Stirner's emphasis on unique personal essence challenges conventional views on rights and power. The tensions between self-assertion and societal constraints are explored, along with the paradox of rights limiting true freedom. Furthermore, the podcast questions the coherence of anarchism derived from Stirner's philosophy, setting the stage for deeper exploration of individualism.
11 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 358: Max Stirner's Egoism (Part One)
Dive into the provocative ideas of Max Stirner and his influential work, 'The Ego and Its Own.' Discover how his concepts of egoism challenge conventional morality and their implications for individual autonomy. The discussion also contrasts Stirner's thoughts with those of Nietzsche, exploring freedom and self-ownership. The critique of societal norms uncovers the tension between individual desires and communal harmony. Finally, the talks reflect on the philosophical intersections of morality, authenticity, and the quest for true freedom.
Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 8min
PEL '24-'25 Transition Nightcap
The speakers reflect on the past year's philosophical journey, revealing personal growth and camaraderie. They humorously debate nihilism vs. pessimism, explore the depths of Aristotle's metaphysics, and navigate complex political philosophies. Tensions between wokeness and anti-woke sentiments are examined, shedding light on the divide in ideologies. Discussions on voter engagement offer insights into modern political dynamics. Heartfelt remembrances and philosophical implications of immigration wrap up the engaging conversation.
