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
Dec 18, 2025 • 11min
PREMIUM-Ep. 381: Aquinas on Ethical Psychology (Part Three)
We discuss the first six questions from the "Moral Action" section in the Summa Theologica (1268), which we read in Thomas Aquinas: Selected Philosophical Writings (1993). If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion, sign up via one of the options described at partiallyexaminedlife.com/support.
Dec 15, 2025 • 59min
Ep. 381: Aquinas on Ethical Psychology (Part Two)
Dive into the rich world of virtue and moral action as the hosts dissect Aquinas's intriguing insights. They explore whether virtue is a mere disposition or a deeper quality, contrasting moral goodness with mere competence. The discussion encompasses the connection between emotions and reason, questioning if emotions can truly be aligned with virtuous actions. Delve into how bodily appetites interact with moral agency and whether special virtues are needed for the will to love altruistically. Their thought-provoking banter invites listeners to reflect on the nature of virtue itself.
Dec 8, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 381: Aquinas on Ethical Psychology (Part One)
Dive into the fascinating world of Aquinas as the hosts explore the nature of virtue and its Aristotelian roots. They examine Aquinas' unique question-driven approach and his blending of natural and divine law. The conversation shifts to the role of reason in moral psychology and how habituation influences moral agency from childhood. The distinction between powers and dispositions provides insight into how character shapes intention. Tying it all together, they discuss the concept of teleology and its implications for human actions.
Dec 1, 2025 • 53min
Ep. 380: Josiah Royce on Community (Part Two)
Explore how communities shape individual identities through shared memories, even from historical events not directly experienced. Delve into the debate on whether foundational beliefs must be literal for coherence. Discover the distinction between genuine communities and mere cooperation in settings like markets. The discussion highlights the psychological pull of genealogy and the role of love, loyalty, and inspiring leadership in forming true communities. Royce's insights offer a rich perspective on our connections and the essence of belonging.
Nov 23, 2025 • 47min
Ep. 380: Josiah Royce on Community (Part One)
Kara Barnett, a visiting scholar and expert on Josiah Royce, dives into the philosopher's intriguing ideas on community. They discuss how communities function as a collective mind while preserving individuality. Kara highlights how shared histories and loyalties guide personal meaning and interpretation. The conversation unfolds around the balance between ideal communities and real-world dynamics, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and social connections for a meaningful life. An engaging exploration of how community shapes our identities and expectations!
4 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ep. 379: Egyptian Philosophy with Chike Jeffers (Part Two)
Chike Jeffers, co-author of the Africana section of the History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps podcast, delves into ancient Egyptian philosophy. He explores the significance of silence as a virtue in leadership and the divine principles of justice embedded in Egyptian thought. The conversation touches on moral lessons from dining etiquette and the relationship between virtue and social hierarchy. They also discuss the compelling tale of the Eloquent Peasant, highlighting systemic corruption and the downfall of moral order. Finally, Jeffers unpacks profound ideas about the afterlife and social restoration.
7 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 44min
Ep. 379: Egyptian Philosophy with Chike Jeffers (Part One)
G.K. (Chike) Jeffers, a philosopher and expert in Africana Philosophy, dives deep into ancient Egyptian philosophical texts. He discusses why these texts are crucial to African philosophy, emphasizing their ethical weight. Chike examines significant works including 'The Instruction of Ptahhotep' and the 'Great Hymn to the Aten,' revealing insights on justice and monotheism. He also explores the unique literary forms that shaped philosophical discussions and the enduring concept of Ma'at, merging truth and justice in ancient thought.
Nov 8, 2025 • 9min
PREMIUM-Ep. 378: Aquinas on God and Mind (Part Four)
We complete our Aquinas treatment for the moment by considering emotions: categorizing them, asking whether they have opposites, and making them coherent given Aquinas' Aristotelian conception of soul. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion, sign up via one of the options described at partiallyexaminedlife.com/support.
Nov 3, 2025 • 50min
Ep. 378: Aquinas on God and Mind (Part Three)
The hosts delve into Aquinas's view on will as a rational desire aimed at the good. They discuss how agency relates to internal action and examine the difference between human deliberation and instinct. The conversation covers how understanding enhances free will by enabling choice among alternatives. They also explore the nuances of passivity in the mind and how intellectual receptivity doesn’t lessen its capabilities. Finally, they tackle how circumstances influence deliberation and the ethics of compelled versus free will.
Oct 27, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 378: Aquinas on God and Mind (Part Two)
The discussion dives deep into Thomas Aquinas's arguments for God's existence, including his famous Five Ways. The hosts critique the causality argument and explore self-causation and naturalistic alternatives to uncaused causes. They tackle the problem of evil while contemplating Aquinas's views on time and eternity. Also, there’s a fascinating debate on whether we can accurately describe God using analogical language and how we infer God's nature from the world around us. It's a rich conversation blending philosophy with modern science.
