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
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.
Mar 24, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 363: Franz Brentano's Moral Epistemology (Part Two)
Dive into the moral philosophies of Franz Brentano, unpacking how we determine right from wrong. The conversation examines the relationship between emotional states and moral choices, questioning whether pleasure can truly be the ultimate moral guide. Delve into the complexities of moral love, exploring how societal norms shape our desires and judgments. The critique of utilitarianism highlights the balance between personal preferences and the common good, inviting reflection on virtues like love and self-sacrifice in ethical decision-making.
4 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 363: Franz Brentano's Moral Epistemology (Part One)
Delve into Franz Brentano's fascinating insights on moral epistemology. Discover how he argues that certain preferences are innately good, beyond cultural influences. The discussion explores the origins of moral truths and critiques inherent moral principles. Unpack the complexities of moral intuitionism and the relationship between instinctual behavior and ethical reasoning. The hosts tackle the independence of moral truth from societal norms, encouraging a deeper understanding of ethics through phenomenology.
Mar 10, 2025 • 51min
Ep. 362: Ecclesiastes: Biblical Existentialism? (Part Two)
Jesse Peterson, an author specializing in Ecclesiastes, dives deep into the philosophical musings of this ancient text. He explores the concept of life's absurdity and its parallels with Greek Skepticism and Stoicism. The conversation touches on the futility of human striving, the tension between wisdom and sorrow, and the quest for legacy. Peterson emphasizes finding joy amidst the vanity of life, arguing for a balance between individual desires and communal values while enjoying the small moments that make existence worthwhile.
11 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 45min
Ep. 362: Ecclesiastes: Biblical Existentialism? (Part One)
Jesse M. Peterson, an assistant professor specializing in biblical studies, dives into the philosophical depths of Ecclesiastes. He explores profound themes of meaning, futility, and the quest for recognition versus pleasure, raising questions about life's transience. The conversation highlights the tension between earthly existence 'under the sun' and potential eternal outcomes, examining how these ancient texts resonate with modern existential inquiries. Peterson's insights invite listeners to reflect on the complexities of wisdom and suffering in the search for significance.
4 snips
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.
4 snips
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.
