The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast PEL Presents PvI#114: Earning Crazy Town w/ Jenny Hansen
Mar 22, 2026
Jenny Hansen, philosophy professor at St. Lawrence known for feminist pedagogy, blends improv and teaching. She explores playful classroom games, feminist critiques of combative debate, and using humor, role-play, and status shifts to lower defenses and reveal power dynamics. Short, lively scenes illustrate alternatives to adversarial philosophy and tactics for protecting time and well-being.
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Play Is A Philosophical Tool
- Improvisation and philosophy both rely on theatricality and play to reveal perspectives.
- Mary links play, spectacle, and satire to philosophy, arguing that shifting a character (the diamond) reveals new facets of an idea.
Prioritize A Safe Sandbox
- Set a safe sandbox and make it your job to make other participants look good.
- Mary emphasizes emotional and physical safety, listening, and not pushing fellow improvisers past their edge.
Start With Games To Encourage Discussion
- Start classes or difficult conversations with silly games to lower barriers and reduce fear of speaking.
- Jenny uses a clue-sharing cheating game and other relatable exercises to build safety before debate.