The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast
Mark Linsenmayer, Wes Alwan, Seth Paskin, Dylan CaseyThe 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 link... more
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 880 | Founded | 17 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PhilosophySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
In light of Toy Story 5, the gang (Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn and Al) consider the Pixar franchise that started in 1995. We consider the premise whereby your toys are loyal slaves that come to life whenever unobserved, the critique of screen-play in th... more
On 1868 essays by Charles Sanders Peirce: "Questions Concerning Certain Faculties Claimed for Man" and "Some Consequences of Four Incapacities."
Do we know when knowledge is intuitive? Is there any such thing as intuitive knowledge? Do we directly ... more
The LA-based clown, multimedia performance artist, and doll stylist (see maddiemutations.com) joins Mary and Mark to talk about her Doll Court show, clown types and the role of the fool, failing on stage, cities as women, silly villains, and more.
... more
Bruce started as guitarist for the '90s for Vulgar Unicorn and started Pineapple Thief as a solo project in 1999, though it quickly became a full band. He's released 16 studio albums with Pineapple Thief and four solo albums. More at brucesoord.com a... more
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- Fun and accessible
I couldn’t afford to even pretend I was going to do philosophy for a living, but I can listen to this podcast while I labor under capitalism. I think it’s a good level, and pleasantly challenging to the layperson (me!)
Apple Podcasts5LostListens
United States6 days ago - just tired.
been listening to this podcast since really early on and the quality if discussion has risen and fallen, but i’m just tired of the need on wes’s part to inject his little hatred of trans people in every chance he gets. its annoying and really pathetic at a point. it’s old and tired now, get over it and talk about hegel.
Apple Podcasts1A is not AUnited States3 months ago - Smart people discussing big ideas - love it!
This is my favorite podcast of all time. I always learn something from PEL. All of the participants are excellent and super knowledgeable, and Mark especially has a great entertaining personality. Love PEL - thank you all!
Apple Podcasts5girltalk77United States5 months ago - Simplistic
Although they try and make a good show of it these guys are outside of the mainstream of philosophy and have not the time to actually go deep into the texts they approach.
Apple Podcasts1RenormalizerUnited States6 months ago - Great philosophy talk
Mark, Wes, Seth, and Dylan take great philosophical works and discuss them in a digestible and entertaining way. I highly recommend doing the reading before listening. Or listen, then read, then listen again like I do. Whatever works! I particularly enjoy the episode on the Phaedo.
Apple Podcasts5Adam EllingsonUnited States6 months ago
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Apple Podcasts | #25 | United States/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #15 |  United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #20 |  Canada/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #30 |  Australia/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #101 |  Italy/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #101 |  France/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A thoughtful, accessible philosophy show that centers short texts and aims for balanced discussion, blending rigorous analysis with approachable, humorous commentary. Episodes typically feature multiple hosts debating ideas, with occasional guests who bring historical context, practical perspectives, or expertise from related fields. Notable strengths include clear guidance for newcomers, a preference for dialog over didactic lecturing, and a willingness to explore controversial questions with nuance. Across recent episodes, the show often pairs canonical philosophical texts with contemporary relevance, and it frequently situates ideas within broader cultural conversations, making it engaging for both students and general listeners who enjo... more
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1. Philosophy For Our Times
2. Philosophize This!
3. Philosophy Bites
4. Very Bad Wizards
5. Theory & Philosophy
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 17 years ago and published 880 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Maddie Mutations
2. Bruce Soord
3. Wes Alwan
4. Young Miss Petunia
5. Herr Winston
6. Michael Timmins
7. Teddy Thompson
8. Andrea Roccella
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