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 | 866 | Founded | 17 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PhilosophySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
On Faith and Knowledge (1802), Ch. 1 and 2. Famously, Kant critiqued Reason to effectively forbid theology and metaphysics, and a young G.W.F. Hegel was not happy about that. He argues against the reduction of Reason to merely applying to the realm o... more
Your four hosts review the critiques of modernity, try to figure out where Kant fits in, and then discuss Habermas' characterization of Nietzsche's anti-Enlightenment project.
If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion, s... more
We are REELING from our REDACTED episode, and so we talk about the lessons we learned from that and start thinking about what it is to be out of one's comfort zone: how do fear and ego issues interact? Is playfulness a lack of professionalism? Are bo... more
Continuing on on The Philosophical Discourse of Modernity, Ch. 1, 2, and 5 with guest John Ganz. We further discuss Habermas' characterizations of Hegel's take on modernity and eventually get to Adorno and Horkheimer, whose dismissals of modernity Ha... more
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- 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 A
United Statesa month 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 States3 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 States4 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 States4 months ago - Slow Horses
Never heard this podcast before. Put the Slow Horses episode onto the queue for my walk. Gave up after five minutes of people shouting across each other and laughing inanely at each other’s “banter.” Guys, you aren’t funny. Cut to the chase. I wish people making podcast would learn to edit.
Apple Podcasts1Lifeclearout
United Kingdom5 months ago
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Apple Podcasts | #20 | United States/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #18 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #25 |  Canada/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #32 |  Australia/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #38 |  France/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #54 |  Italy/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
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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. The Nietzsche Podcast
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this podcast launched 17 years ago and published 866 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. John Ganz
2. Tom Paxton
3. Alan Williams
4. BJ Lange
5. Bill Pritchard
6. Mary Hines
7. Lande Hekt
8. John S. Hall
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