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 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.
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.
