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
Jul 1, 2014 • 2h 6min
Episode 96: Oppenheimer and the Rhetoric of Science Advisers
Discussing Lynda Walsh's book "Scientists as Prophets: A Rhetorical Genealogy" (2013) with the author, focusing on Robert J. Oppenheimer.
Jun 29, 2014 • 12min
Precognition of Ep. 96: Oppenheimer’s Rhetoric
Guest Lynda Walsh describes her book Scientists as Prophets: A Rhetorical Genealogy, focusing on J. Robert Oppenheimer's conflicted position after WWII as science advisor and anti-nuke spokesman.
Jun 16, 2014 • 1h 50min
Episode 95: Gödel on Math
On two unpublished essays considering the implications of Godel's incompleteness theorems and asserting mathematical realism. With guest Adi Habbu.
Jun 15, 2014 • 9min
Precognition of Ep. 95: Gödel
Guest Adi Habbu lays out Kurt Gödel's famous incompleteness theorems and describes some highlights from "Some Basic Theorems on the Foundations of Mathematics and their Implications" (1951) and "The Modern Development of the Foundations of Mathematics in Light of Philosophy" (1961).
May 23, 2014 • 1h 40min
Episode 94: Schopenhauer on Reading, Writing, and Thinking
On Arthur Schopenhauer's essays, "On Authorship and Style," "On Thinking for Oneself," and "On Genius" (all published 1851).
May 3, 2014 • 1h 36min
Episode 93: Freedom and Responsibility (Strawson vs. Strawson)
Philosopher Tamler Sommers joins to explore profound themes of freedom and moral responsibility. He discusses P.F. and Galen Strawson's contrasting views on moral blame, examining the intersections of determinism and personal accountability. The conversation dives into the emotional complexities of resentment, the implications of childhood experiences on moral judgments, and how determinants shape feelings of anger and empathy in moral contexts. Sommers challenges listeners to reconsider traditional views and highlights the nuanced relationship between intent and societal influences.
Apr 29, 2014 • 14min
Precognition of Ep. 93: Free Will (via Strawsons)
Tamler Sommers, a philosopher and co-host of the Very Bad Wizards podcast, breaks down significant works by Galen and P.F. Strawson. He delves into the complexities of free will and moral responsibility through a skeptical lens, questioning the foundations of moral accountability. The conversation also highlights the interplay between determinism and moral responsibility, stressing the vital role of human relationships and societal attitudes. Sommers' insights spark thought-provoking discussions about justice and personal accountability.
Apr 12, 2014 • 1h 39min
Episode 92: Henri Bergson on How to Do Metaphysics
On Bergson's "An Introduction to Metaphysics" (1903). With guest Matt Teichman.
Mar 30, 2014 • 16min
Precognition of Ep. 92: Henri Bergson
Guest Matt Teichman introduces Bergson's essay "An Introduction to Metaphysics."
Mar 29, 2014 • 1h 33min
Episode 91: Transhumanism (Plus More on Brin)
More on David Brin's novel Existence, plus Nick Bostrom's essay "Why I Want to Be a Posthuman When I Grow Up" (2006). With guest Brian Casey.
