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 6, 2017 • 1h 4min
Episode 157: Richard Rorty on Politics for the Left (Part Two)
Continuing on Achieving Our Country: Leftist Thought in 20th Century America (1998). We talk more about Rorty's description of the conflict between the "reformist left" and the "cultural left." Do political-comedy shows serve a a positive political purpose? Can an enlightened political viewpoint really be a mass movement at all? Is it better to pursue specific political campaigns or be part of a "movement?" Can Rorty's diagnosis cure Seth's malaise? Listen to part 1 first, though you should probably just get the ad-free, unbroken Citizen Edition. End song: "Wake Up, Sleepyhead," by Jill Sobule, as interviewed on Nakedly Examined Music #11.
Jan 30, 2017 • 54min
Episode 157: Richard Rorty on Politics for the Left (Part One)
On Achieving Our Country: Leftist Thought in 20th Century America (1998). What makes for efficacious progressivism? Rorty argues that reformism went out of fashion in the '60s in favor of a "cultural left" that merely critiques and spectates, leaving a void that a right-wing demagogue could exploit to sweep in, claiming to be a champion of regular working people. Sound familiar? Please support PEL!
Jan 23, 2017 • 1h 2min
Episode 156: Philosophy and Politics Free-Form Discussion (Part Two)
Continuing our liberal bubble-bursting exercise, the core foursome address more directly the question of how philosophy is supposed to shape one's political views and actions. On a non-partisan "public good" and rhetorical strategies in the face of an apathetic and/or ignorant public. Listen to part 1 first or get the ad-free, unbroken Citizen Edition. Please support PEL! End song: "Better Days" from The Getaway Drivers' Bellatopia; check out Mark's interview with singer/songwriter Bob Manor on Nakedly Examined Music ep. 11.
Jan 16, 2017 • 52min
Episode 156: Philosophy and Politics Free-Form Discussion (Part One)
How does studying philosophy help you to make sense of the political landscape? Wes, Mark, Dylan, and Seth play pundit and reflect on political rhetoric, elitism, and much more. There is no text for this episode! Freedom! Please support PEL!
Jan 2, 2017 • 1h 53min
Episode 155: Richard Rorty Against Epistemology
They dig into Rorty’s attack on traditional theories of knowledge and the idea of foundational justification. Conversations cover indeterminacy of translation, meanings as social practices, and holism versus foundationalism. The group debates whether science is privileged, Kant’s role in making epistemology self-confident, and if knowledge is best seen as conversationally justified.
Dec 19, 2016 • 1h 43min
Episode 154: Wilfrid Sellars on the Myth of the Given
Lawrence Dallman, a PhD student specializing in Wilfrid Sellars' philosophy, joins to discuss profound ideas surrounding knowledge and perception. They unpack Sellars' critique of the 'myth of the given,' arguing that immediate experiences can't serve as a foundation for knowledge. The conversation explores the necessity of language and conceptual frameworks in understanding sensory experiences. Dallman emphasizes the role of social context in shaping perception, challenging traditional empiricist views, and revealing how thought and language interplay in our understanding of reality.
Dec 5, 2016 • 1h 52min
Episode 153: Richard Rorty: There Is No Mind-Body Problem
Stephen Metcalf, Culture Gabfest contributor who studied with Richard Rorty, offers vivid memories and concise commentary on Rorty’s Philosophy in the Mirror of Nature. They trace how Cartesian and Kantian moves invented the mind–body puzzle. Conversation covers Rorty’s therapeutic anti-representationalism, personhood as social decision, and implications for AI, dualism, and philosophy’s cultural role.
Nov 21, 2016 • 1h 28min
Episode 152: Alexis de Tocqueville on Democracy in America (PEL Live!)
Dive into the insights of Alexis de Tocqueville on the precarious nature of democracy and the perennial risk posed by demagogues. Explore his observations on social dynamics, the tension between individualism and community, and the complexities of equality in America. The discussion highlights Tocqueville's critique of materialism and isolation, urging a balance between self-interest and altruism. With a blend of historical context and contemporary relevance, discover how Tocqueville's wisdom remains crucial for navigating today's political landscape.
Nov 7, 2016 • 1h 56min
Episode 151: Edmund Burke's Conservatism
The hosts discuss Edmund Burke's 'Reflections on the Revolution in France' and its relevance today. They delve into Burke's opposition to abstract principles and rationalism, his views on order, conservatism, and the role of revolution. The chapter also explores Burke's perspective on law, revolution, and necessity. They discuss the challenges of reading and appreciating Burke's writing style and explore the concept of hereditary wealth and rank. The chapter also delves into leadership qualities and the nobility, the rule of law, and the importance of tradition.
Nov 6, 2016 • 1h 18min
PEL Special: Bill Bruford on Nakedly Examined Music #25
NEM now features jazz, hip-hop, classical, folk, and more. Check out all the episodes at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com, where you can subscribe and follow on Facebook. Bill was the original drummer for Yes, a default member of King Crimson, and briefly played with Genesis and the late '70s supergroup U.K., but most of his output has been with his own jazz-inflected Earthworks and Bruford, as rock proved too confining for his rhythmic and tonal creativity.
