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 9, 2026 • 45min
Ep. 384: Graham Harman's Object-Oriented Ontology (Part Three)
A lively dive into aesthetics as a route to hidden reality. They unpack how metaphor might create new objects and whether art gives indirect access to things-in-themselves. Theatricality comes up: viewers standing in for objects. Debates probe if metaphors yield cognition or only feeling and whether inwardness implies isolated noumena.
Feb 8, 2026 • 54min
PEL Presents PvI#111: God Smites Elijah Dann
Elijah Dan, a philosophy professor who moved from evangelical Christianity to skeptical atheism and wrote Unbelieving God, tells the story of his intellectual journey. He critiques arguments for God's existence. He discusses why people hold faith, public debate in universities, comic improv about scripture, and how to engage believers with curiosity and civility.
23 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 55min
Ep. 384: Graham Harman's Object-Oriented Ontology (Part Two)
They dig into reductionism and why explaining things as only parts or only effects is inadequate. The conversation explores relational theories, the mystery of change, and whether objects hold a surplus beyond their relations. Causation is probed through Harman's idea of indirect or vicarious mediation and parallels to historical views from Leibniz to Kant. They contrast scientific practice with the notion of inaccessible real properties.
20 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 57min
PEL Presents Closereads: Hegel's "Unhappy Consciousness"
Close reading of Hegel's 'Unhappy Consciousness' and its place after the master–slave, Stoicism, and Skepticism passages. Discussion of how internal doubling and the noumenal/phenomenal divide create a divided self. Comparison of translations and close textual parsing of sections 206–209.
17 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 50min
Ep. 384: Graham Harman's Object-Oriented Ontology (Part One)
They debate a sprawling ontology that counts physical things, events, fictional characters, and sensual appearances as entities. They unpack a strange causal picture where real objects never directly touch one another. They preview a Kantian move that makes aesthetics and metaphor into indirect routes to reality.
Jan 19, 2026 • 56min
Ep. 383: Freud on Love and the Primal Horde (Part Two)
The hosts dive into Freud's theories on group psychology and the dynamics of leadership. They debate whether humans are herd animals or political beings, discussing how identification with leaders can transform hostility into ethics. Freud's primal horde hypothesis is explored, linking it to evolutionary roots and chimpanzee behavior. The conversation touches on how contemporary leaders can serve as superego substitutes, with reflections on love, charisma, and political identification, raising profound questions about modern group dynamics.
8 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 42min
Ep. 383: Freud on Love and the Primal Horde (Part One)
The hosts dive into Freud's intriguing ideas on love and group psychology. They contrast passionate romantic relationships with the obligations of group life. The discussion highlights how intense love can blur moral lines, sometimes leading to drastic actions. They also explore connections between love, hypnosis, and group dynamics. The concept of the 'ego ideal' is scrutinized, revealing how group membership shapes personal identity. Lastly, the tension between individual agency and belonging is explored, making for a thought-provoking analysis.
Jan 5, 2026 • 42min
PEL 2026 Kickoff Nightcap
The hosts kick off the year with their philosophical bucket lists, diving into works like Merleau-Ponty's Being and Time and Bergson's exploration of memory. They discuss identity politics through Honneth's lens and Taylor’s insights on authenticity. Quantum mechanics raise metaphysical queries, while the philosophy of architecture and Chan Buddhism spark curiosity. Literature also features prominently, with proposals including Moby-Dick and Infinite Jest, while pessimism and radical empiricism invite deeper engagement. Suggestions from listeners are welcomed!
Dec 29, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 382: Freud on Group Psychology (Part Two)
Delve into Freud's fascinating insights on group psychology, where libidinal ties bind members through shared love for a leader. Explore how identification shapes group dynamics and cohesion, and discover the balance between healthy and extreme narcissism. The hosts compare the impact of different group formats, like rallies and concerts, on collective experiences. They also discuss the dynamics of panic following a leader's downfall and how ideals can replace leaders, maintaining social bonds. The interplay of discipline, shame, and identity in group actions adds another layer to this engaging discussion.
9 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 46min
Ep. 382: Freud on Group Psychology (Part One)
Dive into Freud's groundbreaking theories on group psychology! Discover why mobs can lead to reduced inhibition and dumber behavior. The hosts unpack Le Bon's crowd theory and its troubling historical applications. Explore how leaders shape group conscience and individual judgment. Could groups potentially elevate moral standards, or do they simply amplify emotions? Each discussion delves into the mechanics of leadership, superego formation, and the nuances of group dynamics. A fascinating examination of psychology in social settings awaits!
