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
16 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 378: Aquinas on God and Mind (Part One)
Explore the philosophical depths of Thomas Aquinas as hosts dissect his renowned writings. They debate whether the existence of God is self-evident, and analyze Anselm's ontological argument and Aquinas' rebuttals. The conversation dives into the complex relationship between human understanding, divine attributes, and the idea of proving God's existence through effects. Each of Aquinas' five ways to understand God is unpacked, alongside objections and modern challenges, setting the stage for a fascinating journey into metaphysics.
Oct 13, 2025 • 46min
Ep. 377: Emil Cioran's Pessimism (Part Two)
Exploring human solitude, the discussion delves into the existential dread we often avoid. Cioran's skepticism towards language and dreams reveals our struggle with definition. The hosts debate whether nihilism is a genuine stance or just frustrated idealism. Ennui and sloth are praised as noble defenses against falsely absolute ideals. The irony in art serves as a buffer against life’s futility, while the concept of being metaphysical traitors prompts reflections on the cultural urge for absolutes.
26 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 52min
Ep. 377: Emil Cioran's Pessimism (Part One)
The hosts dive into Emil Cioran's bleak yet captivating philosophy, exploring the intersections of art, mortality, and the human condition. They compare Cioran to other thinkers like Nietzsche and Camus while debating his views on freedom, suffering, and the limits of language. Cioran's intriguing claim that disease can enrich our understanding of existence is discussed alongside his critique of philosophy versus poetry. The conversation unveils how Cioran's insights challenge conventional notions of joy, solitude, and the pursuit of salvation.
17 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 53min
Ep. 376: Plato's "Laws" (Part Two)
Delve into Plato's vision of creating a new state, Magnesia, and the complex laws that govern it. The hosts explore whether laws should persuade or compel obedience, and how philosophical ideas can be made relatable. Discussions on marriage laws reveal interesting insights into natural desires and societal norms. The nocturnal council raises questions about continuous civic engagement, while Plato's critiques of materialism prompt reflections on virtue and divine belief. Can a state's true aim really be the virtue of its citizens?
33 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 48min
Ep. 376: Plato's "Laws" (Part One)
The hosts delve into Plato's later dialogue, exploring the interplay between laws and virtue in an ideal society. They discuss how laws should educate citizens to promote moral character, and the challenges of training both lawgivers and the governed. The conversation highlights the importance of rational arguments for obedience to laws and examines the city-soul analogy. Expect engaging insights into the philosophical implications of creating a just community, and a teaser for the next installment focused on building the perfect city.
Sep 20, 2025 • 10min
PREMIUM-PEL Back-to-School Nightcap 2025
The hosts delve into Steven Pinker's views on Enlightenment and progress, debating the definition of 'progress' and its potential downsides. They then explore Fukuyama's defense of liberal democracy, contrasting it with Pinker's approach. The conversation touches on the impacts of identity politics and institutional failures on democracy, sparking an engaging discussion about current political climates. The segment concludes with an invitation for listener support.
Sep 18, 2025 • 54min
PEL Presents PvI#101: Co-Hostery: Season Five Premiere with Mark and Mary
It is a new era! Merry Mary Hynes is now Mark's co-host, and we do some improv related to that and feel our the degree to which Mary has not studied philosophy. Could it be that we ALL do philosophy whether we know it or not? Also: The Feminist Café, Luce Irigaray, Mark's voice training, an aging child pop star, non-binary preliminaries, gratis post-game chatter, and more. Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast and listen ad-free at philosophyimprov.com/support. Sponsor: Get 15% off at MasterClass.com/IMPROV.
Sep 15, 2025 • 57min
Ep. 375: Luce Irigaray's Feminism (Part Two)
Jenny Hansen, a scholar of feminist thought, delves into Luce Irigaray’s groundbreaking work on the commodification of women. They discuss how societal structures objectify femininity, critiquing the economic underpinnings and patriarchal implications. Hansen highlights the importance of recognizing women as full subjects rather than mere objects. The conversation also explores the cultural narratives surrounding motherhood, the power dynamics of gender, and the philosophical intersections that shape contemporary discussions on identity and agency.
Sep 8, 2025 • 45min
Ep. 375: Luce Irigaray's Feminism (Part One)
In this engaging discussion, Jenny Hansen, an expert on Luce Irigaray, uncovers the nuances of feminist philosophy and identity. They dive into Irigaray's critiques of male-centric thought and the transformative power of embracing femininity in philosophy and society. Key themes include the importance of sexual difference, the commodification of women, and the complexities surrounding gender dynamics. They also reflect on the challenges female philosophers face and critique traditional metaphors, advocating for a more inclusive representation of women's experiences in philosophical discourse.
Sep 1, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 374: Discussing Liberalism (Lincoln, et al) with Walter Sterling (Part Two)
In this engaging discussion, Walter Sterling, president of St. John's College and a scholar of liberal education, dives into the complexities of liberal democracy. He reflects on the critiques of Patrick Deneen, contrasting individual rationality with communal norms. The conversation touches on the challenges of identity politics and the need for robust civic education. Sterling argues that liberal democracy can protect minority cultures while exploring the fragility of judicial independence and the hope for civic renewal through shared virtues.
