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
Dec 23, 2024 • 50min
Ep. 357: Feuerbach on the Evolution of Philosophy (Part Two)
The discussion delves into Feuerbach's materialist philosophy, challenging Hegel's abstract metaphysics. It explores how material reality shapes our understanding of love, self-awareness, and human connection. The hosts tackle the complexities of subjective experiences versus objective truths, highlighting emotions like pain and pleasure. They also ponder the role of space and time in philosophy and discuss the evolution of ideas leading to future thinkers like Max Stirner. This engaging conversation emphasizes the practical implications of philosophical thought in everyday life.
13 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 49min
Ep. 357: Feuerbach on the Evolution of Philosophy (Part One)
Delve into the evolution of philosophical thought with discussions on Feuerbach's journey from theism to materialism. Explore the intricate connections between pantheism, ethics, and human understanding of the divine. The interplay of matter, reason, and spirituality reveals how our conception of God has transformed over time. The ideas of Spinoza, Hegel, and Kant come under scrutiny, challenging traditional theology and advocating for a philosophy grounded in reality beyond mere ideas.
11 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 52min
Ep. 356: Feuerbach Against Theology (Part Two)
The discussion dives into Ludwig Feuerbach's critique of theology, emphasizing how societal values shape our concept of God. It contrasts the evolution of Protestantism and Catholicism, highlighting limitations in traditional theology. Philosophical reflections explore the interconnectedness of self-consciousness, human essence, and the divine. The complexities of atheism and varying philosophical perspectives from thinkers like Spinoza to Marx are examined, critiquing Hegel's abstract interpretations while advocating for a materialist understanding of philosophy.
11 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 51min
Ep. 356: Feuerbach Against Theology (Part One)
Dive into the intriguing critiques of religion as the hosts unpack Ludwig Feuerbach's thoughts on theology. Explore the shift from spiritual beliefs to a more practical understanding of humanity. The discussion revels in how projecting human traits onto God leads to alienation. Insights on informed charitable giving and its alignment with moral philosophy also feature prominently. Additionally, the interplay between sensory perception and self-consciousness sheds light on our unique human experiences, challenging traditional metaphysical views.
Nov 25, 2024 • 50min
Ep. 355: Marx on Alienation (Part Two)
In this discussion, guest Lawrence Dallman, a knowledgeable speaker on Karl Marx's theories, dives deep into the concept of alienation in labor. He explores whether capitalism creates alienation or if alienation leads to capitalism. The conversation delves into Marx's ideas on estranged labor, examining how economic structures disconnect individuals from their true selves. Dallman emphasizes the philosophical implications of overcoming alienation and envisions a society where authentic relationships and self-actualization flourish.
Nov 18, 2024 • 39min
Ep. 355: Marx on Alienation (Part One)
Lawrence Dallman, a guest expert on Karl Marx, explores the profound implications of Marx's concepts of alienation and labor. He discusses how modern work often estranges individuals from their true selves and the products of their labor. Dallman critiques the relationship between property and community, emphasizing the importance of human self-actualization beyond mere survival. The conversation delves into the transformative potential of collective action while contrasting Marx's views with those of Hegel, shedding light on the essence of individuality in a communal context.
Nov 17, 2024 • 10min
PREMIUM-PEL Thick-of-Fall Nightcap 2024
Just in time for Halloween, a lively discussion unfolds about horror media and our primal fears. The hosts reflect on previous interviews, questioning whether they embrace the future of science-minded philosophy. They tackle the complexities of their past coverage on trans issues and respond to listener engagement. Philosophical inquiries intertwine with insights on AI, cognitive science, and the struggle to reconcile knowledge with the nuances of human psychology, creating a thought-provoking blend of topics.
5 snips
Nov 11, 2024 • 41min
Ep. 354: Guest Tim Williamson on Philosophic Method (Part Two)
In this engaging discussion, philosopher Tim Williamson shares insights from his work on knowledge and metaphysics. He delves into the challenges of applying philosophical theories to real-world ethical dilemmas, emphasizing the importance of a nuanced methodology. The conversation critiques traditional analytic approaches, advocating for incorporating psychological and empirical research. Tim also highlights the gaps between scientific models and moral reasoning, encouraging a more connected approach to philosophy that bridges public and academic discourse.
14 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 43min
Ep. 354: Guest Tim Williamson on Philosophic Method (Part One)
Tim Williamson, an Oxford philosophy professor and author of "Overfitting and Heuristics in Philosophy," delves into the integration of scientific insights into traditional philosophy. He discusses the dangers of overcomplicating theories and the pitfalls of relying on cognitive heuristics, which can distort reasoning. Furthermore, Williamson reevaluates the Gettier problem, suggesting that simpler approaches may better capture the essence of knowledge. He advocates for a collaboration between philosophy and psychology to enrich philosophical inquiry.
Oct 28, 2024 • 48min
Ep. 353: Reid on Visual Knowledge (Part Two)
Dive into the intriguing world of perception as differences in sensory modalities are explored, particularly the stark contrast between sight and touch. The discussion scrutinizes the philosophical concept of resemblance in visual knowledge and its implications for understanding reality. Pain and non-signifying feelings are examined, revealing their significance in our sensory experiences. The intertwining of perception and language highlights how our grasp of reality is shaped by trust and skepticism. Engage with these deep philosophical inquiries for a richer understanding of how we perceive the world!
