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. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast discusses philosophy, philosophers, and philosophical texts. Each episode is a recap and analysis of a chosen text. Listeners get to discover the wonders of philosophy in a fun way.

The informal discussions on The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast started in 2009. The podcast began as a way for the four hosts to relive their college days, where they'd discuss content after lectures. It's pretty much remained that way since. The hosts enjoy sharing their love for philosophy, although none of them made it into a career. If anything, this offers added honesty to the conversation. They talk about how irrelevant and ludicrous some of the content is. The podcast gives audiences a realistic view of philosophical texts and ideas.

The four hosts are Mark Linsenmayer, Seth Paskin, Wes Alwan, and Dylan Casey. The first is a musician who writes about transportation research for work. His philosophical interests span continental philosophy and philosophy of the mind. Paskin has held many roles in technology, but at grad school spent his time on German philosophy. Alwan focused on ancient philosophy. He also cohosts another podcast on film and literature. Casey studied political philosophy and joined after the series started. Even if audiences don't share any of the host's interests, there's no need to worry. Lots of different interest areas feature in The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast.

Another thing that audiences need not worry about is prior knowledge. If interested, they can pre-read the topics with online versions of the texts. The show is also free from jargon and name-dropping. The hosts hope to make it as accessible to everyone as they can. In addition, they also encourage audience interaction. Should someone have a question, they're welcome to submit it to the show. The same goes for a particular topic of interest.

The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast is like a fun discussion with friends. The hosts discuss an interesting or important philosophical text. Listeners learn how and why the world and society are how they currently are. New episodes debut several times a week.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture
Play Trailer
Episode 0: Introduction to the Podcast
May 11 2009
Episode 0: Introduction to the Podcast
What are we trying to do here? Why should you bother to listen to us?

Episodes

PEL 15th Anniversary and Book Release
5d ago
PEL 15th Anniversary and Book Release
Your four hosts plus book editor Chris Sunami reflect on doing the podcast for 15 years and making the new book, which you should order on April 25. Plus, the three rules, future ambitions, and more. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsor: Get a $1/month e-commerce trial at shopify.com/pel. Learn more about the book at partiallyexaminedlife.com/book.
Ep. 339: Brian Ellis on the Metaphysics of Science (Part Two)
Apr 15 2024
Ep. 339: Brian Ellis on the Metaphysics of Science (Part Two)
Continuing on The Philosophy of Nature: A Guide to the New Essentialism (2002) with guest Chris Heath. We get further into the text about metaphysical realism, criteria for a natural kind, properties vs. predicates, and much more. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Learn about the new PEL book at partiallyexaminedlife.com/book. Make a note on your calendar to purchase it on Thursday, April 25.
PEL Presents NEM/PMP: Head vs. Gut Songwriting w/ Roger Joseph Manning Jr., David Christian, Rachel Taylor Brown
Apr 14 2024
PEL Presents NEM/PMP: Head vs. Gut Songwriting w/ Roger Joseph Manning Jr., David Christian, Rachel Taylor Brown
When we write, how much is planned vs. improvised? How much is inspirational vs. double-or-triple checked? How does this factor weigh into how much music we release, how eclectic our sound is, and how well we improvise with others? This discussion features three returning guests: Roger Joseph Manning Jr. was the keyboardist/singer for Jellyfish and Imperial Drag, and more recently as a solo artist and with the Likerish Quartet. Hear his solo episode. The end song on this episode "I'm Startin' a Band" from his Radio Daze EP (2023).David Christian is the singer/guitarist for Britain's Comet Gain. Hear his solo episode. The intro music to this discussion is "Love and Hate on the Radio" from Radio Sessions 1996-2011.Portland-based Rachel Taylor Brown has released 10 solo albums. Hear her solo episode. Her song choice relevant to this discussion was "Stagg Field." Sponsor: Get 50% off your first box of ready-to-eat meals at FactorMeals.com/pretty50 (use code pretty50). Sponsor:
PEL Presents PvI#74: A Psychedelic Embrace with David Peña-Guzmán (Overthink)
Apr 13 2024
PEL Presents PvI#74: A Psychedelic Embrace with David Peña-Guzmán (Overthink)
David is co-host of the excellent Overthink podcast, popular among the young people today, and so we have him monologue to children as an anti (?) drug speaker. How can drugs change us, our sense of self, and the ways we see the world? Can some drugs be considered "natural"? Also, legally defensible drug use at work, and Nancy Reagan the Heel. Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com. Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast to get all our post-game discussions, a video version of the podcast, and other bonus stuff.
Ep. 339: Brian Ellis on the Metaphysics of Science (Part One)
Apr 8 2024
Ep. 339: Brian Ellis on the Metaphysics of Science (Part One)
On The Philosophy of Nature: A Guide to the New Essentialism (2002). What kind of metaphysics underlies chemistry and physics? Ellis argues that items such as chemical elements and physical particles have essences, and that these essential properties determine their behavior, which is characterized by scientific laws. Thus, these laws are necessary; they apply in all possible worlds. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsor: Get a $1/month e-commerce trial at shopify.com/pel. Learn about our new book at partiallyexaminedlife.com/book.
Ep. 338: Aristotle on Potential vs. Actual and the Unmoved Mover (Part Two)
Apr 1 2024
Ep. 338: Aristotle on Potential vs. Actual and the Unmoved Mover (Part Two)
To conclude our discussion of Aristotle's Metaphysics, we finish discussing potency by talking about the potential to learn (the Meno problem), the metaphysical priority of the actual over the merely potential, and how the Unmoved Mover motivates all primary beings to strive toward their full actualization. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.
PEL Presents NEM#213: Paul Chastain (Velvet Crush): Flavors of Brightness
Mar 30 2024
PEL Presents NEM#213: Paul Chastain (Velvet Crush): Flavors of Brightness
Illinois singer/bassist Paul had his first release in 1985 and joined with drummer Ric Menck to form a band eventually called Velvet Crush, which released six albums from 1991-2004. He has since played in Matthew Sweet's band and has released two albums under the name The Small Square. We discuss "Can't Let Go (Oh, Tommy)" by The Small Square from Ours & Others (2023), "California Incline" by Velvet Crush from Stereo Blues (2004), and "Flower Field" by Choo Choo Train from Briar Rose EP (1988). Intro: "Hold Me Up" by Velvet Crush from Teenage Symphonies to God (1994). End song: "SML" from The Small Square (2015, remastered 2023). More at smallsquaremusic.com and actionmusik.bandcamp.com. Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.
Ep. 338: Aristotle on Potential vs. Actual and the Unmoved Mover (Part One)
Mar 25 2024
Ep. 338: Aristotle on Potential vs. Actual and the Unmoved Mover (Part One)
We read portions of books 9 (Theta) and 12 (Lambda) of Aristotle's Metaphysics, first on "being-at-work" (actuality) vs. mere potency, then on Aristotle's famous argument for the existence of God. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsors: Get a $1/month e-commerce trial at shopify.com/pel. Buy Philosophers on God: Talking about Existence feat. Dan Dennett, William Lane Craig, et al. Learn about our new book at partiallyexaminedlife.com/book.
PREMIUM-PEL Nightcap w/ Chris Sunami (March 2024)
Mar 22 2024
PREMIUM-PEL Nightcap w/ Chris Sunami (March 2024)
Mark, Seth, and Dylan are joined by the editor of our new book (see partiallyexaminedlife.com/book) to talk a bit about his background, meeting celebrities (or being met qua celebrity) and more generally how a writer or performer's real personality relates to their work, various things we're reading and watching, scientists' attitudes towards philosophy, and the usual musings about future episodes. If you're not hearing the full version of this discussion, sign up via one of the options described at partiallyexaminedlife.com/support.
Ep. 337: Aristotle on Primary Being (Part Two)
Mar 18 2024
Ep. 337: Aristotle on Primary Being (Part Two)
Continuing on Aristotle's Metaphysics, Book 7 (Zeta), on essences and what sorts of things have them. Contrasting with Plato, Aristotle believes that some changing, visible things have forms. How do they get them? Well, they're received from some previous thing that has a comparable form, e.g. a child from its parents, or perhaps a form could come from a creator's mind. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsor: Get 50% off delicious, ready-to-eat meals at FactorMeals.com/pel50 (code pel50). Learn about our new book at partiallyexaminedlife.com/book.
Ep. 337: Aristotle on Primary Being (Part One)
Mar 11 2024
Ep. 337: Aristotle on Primary Being (Part One)
Continuing for our third session on Aristotle's Metaphysics, now covering Book 7 (Zeta). What exactly is the type of being that is the chief reason why we call anything being? Aristotle says its the substantial form present in an individual animal or plant. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsor: Get a $1/month e-commerce trial at shopify.com/pel.
Ep. 336: Aristotle on Being and Non-Contradiction (Part Two)
Mar 4 2024
Ep. 336: Aristotle on Being and Non-Contradiction (Part Two)
Continuing on Book 4 (Gamma) of the Metaphysics. We discuss further the relations between the logical and metaphysical versions of the principle of non-contradiction and how Aristotle characterizes relativists like Protagoras who he claims violate non-contradiction. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.
PEL Presents NEM#212: Graham Parker's Hard Graft
Mar 2 2024
PEL Presents NEM#212: Graham Parker's Hard Graft
Graham has released 25+ studio albums of soul-infused British singer-songwriter goodness since 1976, first with the Rumour, but often in the second half of his career playing live entirely solo. We discuss "Lost Track of Time" by Graham Parker and the Goldtops from Last Chance to Do the Twist (2023), "Going There" by Graham Parker & The Rumour from Mystery Glue (2015), "She Wants So Many Things" from Struck By Lightning (1991), and "Between You and Me" by Graham Parker & The Rumour from Howlin' Wind (1976). Intro: "Local Girls" from Squeezing Out Sparks (1980). Hear more at GrahamParker.net Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.
Ep. 336: Aristotle on Being and Non-Contradiction (Part One)
Feb 26 2024
Ep. 336: Aristotle on Being and Non-Contradiction (Part One)
On Aristotle's Metaphysics, book 4 (aka Gamma) (ca. 340 BCE). What does studying "being" entail? It involves claiming that all beings are distinct individuals, as opposed to, for instance, an undifferentiated flux. They're thus subject to the law of non-contradiction, which Aristotle defends against objectors. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsor: Get 50% off delicious, ready-to-eat meals at FactorMeals.com/pel50 (code pel50).
Ep. 335: Aristotle on Fundamental Explanations (Part Two)
Feb 19 2024
Ep. 335: Aristotle on Fundamental Explanations (Part Two)
Continuing on Aristotle's Metaphysics, book 1. We get seriously into Aristotle's four types of causation and how previous philosophers in leaving out one or most of these made a mistake. This includes a critique of Platonic forms, which as eternal, unchanging patterns can't actually explain why change occurs in the world. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and bonus content including a supporter-exclusive Closereads/part 3 drilling into the argument against Platonic forms in Aristotle's Metaphysics. Listen to a preview. Sponsor: Get a $1/month e-commerce trial at shopify.com/pel.
Ep. 335: Aristotle on Fundamental Explanations (Part One)
Feb 12 2024
Ep. 335: Aristotle on Fundamental Explanations (Part One)
On Aristotle's Metaphysics, book 1 (aka Alpha) (ca. 340 BCE). What constitutes a basic explanation of the universe? We talk about how mere practical knowledge of how things in fact work is not enough; there's greater wisdom in knowing the theoretical underpinnings. Various philosophers before Aristotle had given different kinds of explanations of what the universe is at bottom, but for a complete explanation, Aristotle says we'll need to include all four types of causation: material, formal, efficient, and final. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsor: Try another scholarly and fun podcast: Harry Potter and the Sacred Text.
REISSUE-Ep. 29: Kierkegaard on the Self
Feb 5 2024
REISSUE-Ep. 29: Kierkegaard on the Self
What is the self? For K. we are a tension between opposites: necessity and possibility, the finite and the infinite, soul and body. He thinks we're all in despair, whether we know it or not, because we wrongly think we're something we're not, or we reject what we are, or we just don't pay attention to this dynamic at all: we just go along with the crowd. So we need to keep self-examining and (he thinks) ultimately embrace our subservience to God. Given all this, is there anything one can get out of the text if you don't subscribe to K's Christianity? We're releasing this re-issue as a coda to our recent series on K. Get the rest of our paywalled, vintage episodes at partiallyexaminedlife.com/support, along with a steady stream of new bonus content. Sponsor: Get a $1/month e-commerce trial at shopify.com/pel.
PREMIUM-PEL Long Winter's Nightcap (Jan-Feb 2024)
Feb 3 2024
PREMIUM-PEL Long Winter's Nightcap (Jan-Feb 2024)
We anticipate our upcoming series on Aristotle's Metaphysics by talking through some preliminary issues about the text including what translations we're reading. Is this book really "timeless," or is it like old, outdated science? Also, what kind of person becomes an ancient philosophy student? Plus (in the full discussion), we talk more about Mounk, Presidential disqualification, and more. If you're not hearing the full version of this discussion, sign up via one of the options described at partiallyexaminedlife.com/support.
Ep. 334: Gabriel Marcel's Christian Existentialism (Part Two)
Jan 29 2024
Ep. 334: Gabriel Marcel's Christian Existentialism (Part Two)
Continuing on "On the Ontological Mystery" (1933), we talk more about problems vs. mysteries: The latter implicate OURSELVES; we are not merely witnesses, but our involvement complicates things. Also, what makes Marcel an existentialist? Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and bonus content including a supporter-exclusive Nightcap anticipating our upcoming series on Aristotle's Metaphysics. Listen to a preview.
Ep. 334: Gabriel Marcel's Christian Existentialism (Part One)
Jan 22 2024
Ep. 334: Gabriel Marcel's Christian Existentialism (Part One)
Discussing "On the Ontological Mystery" (1933) about our need for meaning. Marcel asserts that our need for "mystery" is much more primal than the scientific, technical point of view that breaks down problems into component parts for easy analysis. In fact, this more modern-seeming way of looking at the world presupposes and relies on the more originary position. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsors: Get 50% off ready-to-eat meal delivery at FactorMeals.com/pel50 (code pel50). Get a $1/month e-commerce trial at shopify.com/pel. Learn about St. John's College at sjc.edu/PEL.