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
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.
Mar 26, 2014 • 1h 35min
Episode 90: Sci-Fi and Philosophy with Guest David Brin
Discussing David Brin's novel Existence (2012) with the author. Also with guest Brian Casey.
Mar 25, 2014 • 8min
Precognition of Ep. 90: Sci-Fi and Philosophy with David Brin
Introductory salvo by Mark Linsenmayer before our interview with author David Brin.
13 snips
Mar 12, 2014 • 1h 34min
Episode 89: Berkeley: Only Ideas Exist!
Dive into Bishop Berkeley's radical philosophy where perception reigns supreme! Engage with playful discussions on the nature of reality, examining how our senses shape our experience of the world. Explore the captivating oar paradox that reveals our shifting understanding of objects. Delve into the divine and its connection to human perception, and witness the clash between Berkeley's ideas and Aristotle's traditional views. The conversation even touches on the complexities of loneliness and the yearning for connection, weaving together philosophy and human emotion.
Mar 11, 2014 • 31min
Precognition of Ep. 89: Berkeley's Idealism
Wes Alwan introduces George Berkeley's Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous.
Mar 1, 2014 • 1h 9min
Partially Examined Life Not School Digest #4: Sartre, Heidegger, Zizek, Marx, and Theater
Excerpts from discussions on Sartre's Nausea, Heidegger's "The Question Concerning Technology," Slavoj Zizek's Year of Dreaming Dangerously, Marx and Engels's "Communist Manifesto," Peter Schaffer's play Equus, and Cormac McCarthy's The Sunset Limited: A Novel in Dramatic Form.
