The Partially Examined LifeThis video is 7th in the 8-part video lecture series, The Self Under Siege: Philosophy in the Twentieth Century (1993).
Lecture Notes:
I. Richard Rorty may be viewed as an "Americanization" of Derrida: widely considered the postmodern thinkers (perhaps wrongly). Here we will use Rorty as a guide to Derrida.
II. Derrida's emphasis is on fallibility, contingency, finitude; positions partially demonized as relativism, deconstruction, and vaguely connected to radical politics, multi-culturalism, and so on.
III. "Deconstruction" originates in Heidegger's project of the deconstruction of metaphysics, an "uncovering" of the history of Being. Derrida notes, as he proceeds through a series of techniques of deconstruction as reading or misreadings of texts, that philosophers have always tried to fill in the blank in "Being is __________."
IV. But they have failed due to the nature of language which is constituted by difference, materiality of marks and phonetic signs, marginality, materiality. Words do not stand for things, they stand in for them. Meanings depend not only on presence but also on absence. Words can always misrefer; a possibility once is a necessity forever.
V. The upshot is that there are no final interpretations, no last books. Better and worse readings depend on context and purpose. Meaning is not fixed "humanly" (against "humanism"). Philosophy has always already thought the end of man in thinking the truth of man.
VI. For Derrida, "man" is implicated in the "white mythology" that is philosophy and whose time is rapidly passing. This leaves the "self". the "I", as no more than a vanishing positionality in a text. And this is a long way from the kind of story that might provide us with meaning for our own lives.
VII. Finally, when reading Derrida, remember, he may just be joking. If he is right, even in part, the same might be said for Plato.
Rick Roderick on Derrida - The Ends of Man [full length]The Partially Examined Life2012-01-25 | This video is 7th in the 8-part video lecture series, The Self Under Siege: Philosophy in the Twentieth Century (1993).
Lecture Notes:
I. Richard Rorty may be viewed as an "Americanization" of Derrida: widely considered the postmodern thinkers (perhaps wrongly). Here we will use Rorty as a guide to Derrida.
II. Derrida's emphasis is on fallibility, contingency, finitude; positions partially demonized as relativism, deconstruction, and vaguely connected to radical politics, multi-culturalism, and so on.
III. "Deconstruction" originates in Heidegger's project of the deconstruction of metaphysics, an "uncovering" of the history of Being. Derrida notes, as he proceeds through a series of techniques of deconstruction as reading or misreadings of texts, that philosophers have always tried to fill in the blank in "Being is __________."
IV. But they have failed due to the nature of language which is constituted by difference, materiality of marks and phonetic signs, marginality, materiality. Words do not stand for things, they stand in for them. Meanings depend not only on presence but also on absence. Words can always misrefer; a possibility once is a necessity forever.
V. The upshot is that there are no final interpretations, no last books. Better and worse readings depend on context and purpose. Meaning is not fixed "humanly" (against "humanism"). Philosophy has always already thought the end of man in thinking the truth of man.
VI. For Derrida, "man" is implicated in the "white mythology" that is philosophy and whose time is rapidly passing. This leaves the "self". the "I", as no more than a vanishing positionality in a text. And this is a long way from the kind of story that might provide us with meaning for our own lives.
VII. Finally, when reading Derrida, remember, he may just be joking. If he is right, even in part, the same might be said for Plato.
For more information, see http://www.rickroderick.orgPretty Much Pop #155: Existentialist BarbieThe Partially Examined Life2023-08-10 | Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al talk about the most discussable movie of the summer made by the unlikely pairing of feminist indie director Greta Gerwig and Barbie's corporate overlords at Mattel. Does the film convey at least a legitimate teen version of feminist existentialism? It is actually enjoyable? What sort of irony is this, and can any film be both a blockbuster children's film yet also be a meditation on serious social and philosophical issues?
For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.Closereads with Mark and Wes: Hegel on Spinoza (Part One)The Partially Examined Life2023-08-07 | Reading p. 153-155 of Georg W.F. Hegel's "Lectures on the History of Philosophy 1825-1826" vol. III, "Medieval and Modern Philosophy" (ed. Robert Brown), the section on Benedict Spinoza. Recorded 5-30-23.
For more on this new podcast offering by the folks that brought you The Partially Examined Life, see partiallyexaminedlife.com/closereads or subscribe to watch (or hear, using the supporter podcast feed) at patreon.com/closereadsphilosophy, which will let you watch the remainder of our going through this text (parts two and three).
This one is more discussion than actual reading, as we're trying to make sense of Hegel's notion of the "Absolute" as it is derived from Spinoza. It takes us three parts to entirely get through the text.Partially Examined Life #322: Schelling on Art vs. Nature (Part Three)The Partially Examined Life2023-08-07 | Mark and Wes conclude with some close reading of Part 6 of System of Transcendental Idealism (1800), section 3: "Relation of Art to Philosophy." Schelling thinks that art enables us to do intuitively what philosophy tries to do with concepts.
We're providing this typically supporter-exclusive content for all of you in anticipation of the new Closereads: Philosophy with Mark and Wes project that we'll be unveiling next week.
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.Nakedly Examined Music #200: Mikaela Davis: Singer-Songwriter-HarpistThe Partially Examined Life2023-08-05 | Mikaela has a degree in harp performance and has been recording since 2011. We discuss "Cinderella" (and listen at the end to "Leave It Alone") from her second label-released album, And Southern Star (2023), "Left Hand Path" (2002, released on the compilation album Spelljams), and "In My Groove" from Delivery (2018). Intro: "When You're Away" (recorded 2015). Hear more at mikaeladavis.com.
Hear more Nakedly Examined Music at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Support us at patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic.Philosophy vs. Improv #58: Avant Garde AccountingThe Partially Examined Life2023-08-03 | The guests are away, and so Billy and Markaroony will play. This fast-paced, sweet-moving discussion covers the genius individual artist and how that might or might not allow collaboration, genres and definitions, strife, and more. Mark just can't WAIT for a canoe, and getting CRAZY at the salad bar. Oops, we forgot to determine a winner, so YOU decide.
Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com.
Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast at partreon.com/philosophyimprov to get all our post-game discussions and other bonus stuff.Partially Examined Life #322: Schelling on Art vs. Nature (Part Two)The Partially Examined Life2023-07-31 | Continuing from youtu.be/_CicnctMwtM on "On the Relation Between the Plastic Arts and Nature" (1807) and Part 6 of System of Transcendental Idealism (1800).
We talk sculpture vs. painting and why art is the direct, intuitive way to achieve the insight that philosophy can only approximate using concepts.
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.Pretty Much Pop #154: Indiana Jones and the Various MacGuffinsThe Partially Examined Life2023-07-24 | Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al talk about the blockbuster archaeological adventure films created in 1981 by George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg that we grew up with and which have now been revived and apparently concluded twice, currently via James Mangold's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.
Sponsors: Get 50% off and free shipping at GreenChef.com/pmp50 (code pmp 50). Check out the Skeptoid podcast at skeptoid.com.Partially Examined Life #322: Schelling on Art vs. Nature (Part One)The Partially Examined Life2023-07-24 | Discussing "On the Relation Between the Plastic Arts and Nature" (1807) and Part 6 of System of Transcendental Idealism (1800).
Is the goal of art to imitate nature? Only if that means showing the divine, ideal, dynamic aspect of the subject matter (and the artist)!
The discussion continues on youtu.be/kUl9W2cmMPY. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.Nakedly Examined Music #199: Alan Jenkins Cornucopia of ExperimentsThe Partially Examined Life2023-07-20 | Alan has released 50+ albums, starting in the late '70s with The Deep Freeze Mice, then with several collaborative bands, experimental surf in the '00s with The Thurston Lava Tube, and now typically records as Alan Jenkins and the Kettering Vampires.
We discuss "The Multibear" from Be My Enemy £1 (2023), "Hitler’s Knees" by The Deep Freeze Mice from Saw a Ranch House Burning Last Night (1983), "The Morozovo Meteorite” by The Melamine Division Plates from Novosibirsk (2023), and "The Eagle Hates Your Poetry" by Alan Jenkins & The Creams from ie (1994). End song: "Nobody’s Getting My Hair" by The Chrysanthemums from Decoy for a Dognapper! (2022). Intro: "A Red Light for the Greens" by The Deep Freeze Mice from The Gates of Lunch (1982). For more, see cordeliarecords.co.uk.
Hear more Nakedly Examined Music at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Support us at Patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic.Philosophy vs. Improv #57 Happier Cancer w/ Monica McCarthyThe Partially Examined Life2023-07-18 | Monica is an actor and writer who ran a live-on-stage philosophy podcast called The Happier Hour, and so naturally we talk about happiness, or flourishing (eudaimonia).
Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast at patreon.com/philosophyimprov to get all our post-game discussions and other bonus stuff.Partially Examined Life #321: August Schlegel on Beauty (Part Two)The Partially Examined Life2023-07-17 | We continue from youtu.be/3_J24ckrpuI on Theory of Art, getting more into sections of the text about the relationship between beauty and purposiveness, genius, unconscious vs. conscious creation, style vs. manner, and art imitating nature.
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and a supporter-exclusive Nightcap discussion largely about philosophy of technology.
Learn about the online Core Philosophy Texts course Mark is running this fall at partiallyexaminedlife.com/class.Pretty Much Pop #153: Kids Films, Adult MessagesThe Partially Examined Life2023-07-11 | Mark, Lawrence, and returning parents/panelists Michelle Parrinello-Cason and Chris Sunami take on animated blockbuster films by Pixar, et al. Why do some adults prefer these? What's the ideology of this kind of media?
We touch on Puss in Boots, Turning Red, Soul, Trolls, Enola Holmes, and many other things that we watched with our kids and/or as kids. Note that this discussion was recorded in late April, so no Little Mermaid for you!
For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.Partially Examined Life #321: August Schlegel on Beauty (Part One)The Partially Examined Life2023-07-10 | Covering the elder Schlegel brother's Theory of Art (ca. 1800). How does our experience of Beauty relate to the infinite? Schlegel provides a Romantic response to Kant on knowing the divine, inner essences of things through art, how genius works, and the relationship between art and nature.
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.
Continues on youtu.be/777Nq8TKyYU.Nakedly Examined Music #198: Chris Stamey Keeps on DevelopingThe Partially Examined Life2023-07-10 | Chris started in the mid 70s in Sneakers, then backed Alex Chilton, started a record label, and then founded the dB's, which he left after two albums in 1983. He then became a producer and has released nine solo albums plus avant garde guitar collaborations with Kirk Ross and four reunion albums with Peter Holsapple and/or the dB's.
We discuss "I Will Try" from The Great Escape (2023), the title track from Lovesick Blues (2013), "Glorious Delusion" from Fireworks (1988, released in 1991), and "I Don't Think of You" by Chris Stamey & The Fellow Travelers feat. Ramune Martin from A Brand-New Shade of Blue (2020). Intro: "The Summer Sun" (1977 single). More at chrisstamey.com
Hear more Nakedly Examined Music at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Support us at patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic.Philosophy vs. Improv #56: Interpreting the Monkey Man with Chris GeorgeThe Partially Examined Life2023-07-06 | Philosophy vs. Improv is a podcast that has existed for nearly two years, if you can believe that. This is the first episode that we're publicly releasing the video for, though we've made it available to supporters for several months now. We're not going to bother to figure out how to edit video, however, so this is just RAW and WRIGGLING.
Subscribe to the podcast: philosophyimprov.com/. Support the effort and get the video versions of many recent episodes plus the post-game chatting for nearly every episode at patreon.com/philosophyimprov.Partially Examined Life #320: Friedrich Schlegel on Romanticism (Part Two)The Partially Examined Life2023-07-03 | We continue (from youtu.be/4WH_YZfFpDM) on Schlegel's "Dialogue on Poesy" (1799) and "Concerning the Essence of Critique" (1804).
How can Romantic art always aim at some common source of our humanity yet also require originality? How can having some sort of common mythology help artists be original in this way, and how can we embrace mythology as modern people?
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and a supporter-exclusive part three to this discussion.Pretty Much Pop #152: BELIEVE in Ted LassoThe Partially Examined Life2023-06-28 | Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al disagree about the Jason Sudeikis-headed Apple TV+ pandemic hit that's just wrapped up with its third season. Was it actually as good as everyone thought when its first season hit, or was its vibe just something we needed at the time? Should it have stayed slim and comic instead of becoming the stretched out, soapy dramedy that it ended up as?
For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.Partially Examined Life #320: Friedrich Schlegel on Romanticism (Part One)The Partially Examined Life2023-06-26 | On selected fragments from 1797-1801, "Dialogue on Poesy" (1799), and "Concerning the Essence of Critique" (1804).
What makes art "Romantic"? Schlegel sees good art as uniquely, authentically reaching out to a divine source that underlies and connects each of us.
The discussion continues: youtu.be/0WI3HCmAbfY. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.Philosophy vs. Improv #55: Oversouled Behavior w/ Genevieve JoyThe Partially Examined Life2023-06-23 | Genevieve is a comedian, podcaster, and she was a philosophy major who's studying for her doctorate in Divinity.
We talk about the idea that "we are all one" (and thus we are all God, if you want to call the sum of all things by that name) that's in various traditions. Ralph Waldo Emerson called this the "oversoul."
We spend the rest of the discussion under the bleachers not making out, getting bored at the Grand Canyon, being nervous before the big show, and considering everyone's food allergies.
Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast at patreon.com/philosophyimprov to get all our post-game discussions, video versions of most recent episodes (not this one!), and other bonus stuff.Nakedly Examined Music #197: Bonjo Iyabinghi Noahs African Head ChargeThe Partially Examined Life2023-06-22 | Bonjo started in the '70s as a session hand percussionist, played for a few years with Creation Rebel, and became a band leader in 1980, first recording a bit as Noah House of Dread, then creating African Head Charge, which has had more than 20 releases. More at africanheadcharge.bandcamp.com.
We discuss "Microdosing" and listen to "A Bad Attitude" from A Trip to Bolgatanga (2023), "Fear of a Man God" from Voodoo of the Godsent (2011), "Orderliness, Godliness, Discipline and Dignity" from Songs of Praise (1990), and "Children of Misery" by Noah House of Dread from Heart (1980). Intro: "Stebani's Theme" from My Life in A Hole in the Ground (1981).
Hear more Nakedly Examined Music at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Support us at patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic.Partially Examined Life #319: Schiller on Experiencing Beauty (Part Two)The Partially Examined Life2023-06-19 | Continuing from youtu.be/_TE60xddQ6w, Mark, Wes and Dylan start with letter 20 in On the Aesthetic Education of Man (1795), we tell more of the story of how art is supposed to get us from sensation to thinking.
Aesthetic perception ends up being essential to any conceptualization (thinking) whatsoever!
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and a supporter-exclusive part three to this discussion.Pretty Much Pop #151: Everybodys Talkin Bout SuccessionThe Partially Examined Life2023-06-14 | The regular gang (Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al) address Jesse Armstrong's prestige HBO dramedy that premiered in 2018 and has just wrapped up. Why all the fuss over this show? Is it really worthy of comparison to Shakespeare?
For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.Partially Examined Life #319: Schiller on Experiencing Beauty (Part One)The Partially Examined Life2023-06-11 | On the second half of Friedrich Schiller's On the Aesthetic Education of Man (1795), getting into the mechanics of how aesthetic experience work in giving us a midpoint between animality and pure rationality where we can feel free. Also, does art reveal truth?
This discussion continues with youtu.be/U8rviqs9Q0M. Our coverage of the first half of the book is at youtu.be/QAu60y8K0Ic. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.Philosophy vs. Improv #54: Do You Want to Be Here? w/ Brain in a VatThe Partially Examined Life2023-06-10 | Mark Oppenheimer and Jason Werbeloff of the Brain in a Vat podcast join Bill and Mark L. (aka Alf) to talk about rationality, broadly construed, while not moving a couch and not giving each other Christmas presents.
Does "reason" by itself tell us what to do and what to believe? Is trypophobia really just bigotry? What's the rationale for making negative comments on a podcast? Are bigots bigger than bigamists? Was Ayn Rand a cannibal?
Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com.
Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com.
Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast at parteon.com/philosophyimprov to get all our post-game discussions, video versions of recent episodes, and other bonus stuff.Nakedly Examined Music #196: Michael Gira (Swans) Is Not DoneThe Partially Examined Life2023-06-09 | Swans started in the early '80s with a brutal sound gradually became more subtle and textured. The band broke up in 1995 after ten albums (and three other releases under the name World of Skin), then Michael released a couple of solo albums and six alt-country releases as Angels of Light before starting a new chapter of Swans in 2010 which has now released its sixth album.
We discuss "Michael Is Done" from The Beggar (2023), "It's Coming It's Real" from Leaving Meaning (2019), and "Power for Power" from Filth (1983). You then get to hear Michael's opus "The Beggar Lovers (Three)," also from the new album. Intro: "Screen Shot" from To Be Kind (2014). Hear more at swans.bandcamp.com.
Hear more Nakedly Examined Music at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Support us at patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic.Partially Examined Life #318: Friedrich Schiller on the Civilizing Potential of Art (Part Two)The Partially Examined Life2023-06-05 | We continue from youtu.be/QAu60y8K0Ic working through letters 1-15 of On the Aesthetic Education of Man (1795), helped by Markus Reuter.
We get clearer on what Schiller means by Beauty, and how two contrary drives toward matter and form somehow cancel each other out to combine in a "play drive" that is at the heart of appreciating and creating art.
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and a supporter-exclusive part three to this discussion.
Hear Markus' Nakedly Examined Music interview: youtu.be/Vz1LqwYAM8MPretty Much Pop #150: Dark Shadows w/ Kathryn Leigh ScottThe Partially Examined Life2023-06-04 | Mark, Lawrence, and Sean Michael Cooney discuss the gothic romance vampire soap opera from 1966-1971 plus the spin-off movies and reboots. We interview one of the stars of the original show, the author Kathryn Leigh Scott, to talk about the appeal and enduring legacy of this show that was once massively popular but is now a quintessential cult property that will likely be rebooted for the fourth time within the next couple of years.
Is the show camp, or just low budget? Think of all the sensitive, reluctant vampires in today's media that this show launched! We're doing this show for Pride Month given its big gay following and leading gay actors.
For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.Philosophy vs. Improv #53: XTREME BEEF Quicheticles w/ Zach ThompsonThe Partially Examined Life2023-05-29 | Zach is an improvisor who's written for MST3K, been a commentator for Resistance Pro Wrestling, and has been a recurring guest on Hello From the Magic Tavern.
He joins Mark and Bill to discuss competitiveness in all its forms. Is strife part of utopia, or would all conflict be removed in an ideal political situation? Is the controlled competitiveness of sports or improv games fundamentally different than mere aggression? Also, we chase a dog.
Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com.
Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com.
Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast at patreon.com/philosophyimprov to get all our post-game discussions, video versions of recent episodes, and other bonus stuff.Partially Examined Life #318: Friedrich Schiller on the Civilizing Potential of Art (Part One)The Partially Examined Life2023-05-29 | Can art make us better people? Musician Markus Reuter joins Mark, Wes, and Seth to discussion the first half of On the Aesthetic Education of Man (1795).
Given the failure of the French Revolution, this famous German poet wondered what could make the masses capable of governing themselves? His answer: Beauty! Aesthetic appreciation puts us at a distance from our savage desires, enables the abstract thought necessary for Kantian rationalist morality, and yet keeps us in touch with our feelings so that we don't just become cogs in the industrial machine.
Continues with youtu.be/BMT28p93glI. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.Nakedly Examined Music #195: Nicholas Tremulis Reads Better BooksThe Partially Examined Life2023-05-26 | Nick has fronted 10+ carefully arranged solo albums since 1985 in various styles from R&B to Latin to alt-country.
We discuss "Amanda and the God’s Honest Truth" from Rarified World (2021), "Buffalo Man" from Little Big Songs (2008), and "River of Love" from More Than Truth (1986). End song: "Super Human Love" from For the Baby Doll (2013). Intro: "Heartbeat Getting Stronger" from Nicholas Tremulis (1985). Follow @NickTremulis1.
Hear more Nakedly Examined Music at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Support us at patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic.Pretty Much Pop #149: Rocky and CreedThe Partially Examined Life2023-05-17 | It's our most successful sports film franchise ever, starting with the Best Picture winning, highest grossing film from 1976, through eight sequels to land us with Creed III.
Mark, Al, Sarahlyn, and Lawrence talk about the ups and downs of this journey. How can such an apparently simple formula stay fresh? Is there any rationale for a larger Rocky-verse?
For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.
Sponsors: For ready-to-eat meal delivery, visit FactorMeals.com/pretty50 and use code pretty50 for 50% off your first box. Try the Straight To Video podcast at stvpod.com.Partially Examined Life #317: Character Philosophies in Dostoevskys Brothers KaramazovThe Partially Examined Life2023-05-15 | Following up on our live episode (youtu.be/Y9Uo4P5XhNk), we further ponder the 1869 novel, revisiting the "problem of evil" arguments and how the various brothers cope with an imperfect world. Plus, we relate Dostoevsky to other existentialists.
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion, including a supporter-exclusive final part to this discussion which you can preview on our Patreon page: patreon.com/partiallyexaminedlife.Philosophy vs. Improv #52: Elegant Stoicism w/ Tanner CampbellThe Partially Examined Life2023-05-05 | Tanner runs the popular daily podcast Practical Stoicism, so of course we brought him on to talk about on-board flight services and attitudes among retail service workers.
Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com.
Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com.
Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast at patreon.com/philosophyimprov to get all our post-game discussions, video versions of recent episodes, and other bonus stuff.Nakedly Examined Music #194: Vashti Bunyan Is Not a Folk SingerThe Partially Examined Life2023-05-03 | Vashti was discovered in the mid-60s by the Rolling Stones manager, recorded a seminal acoustic album in 1970, then quit music until her work was rediscovered in 2000, recording two albums and releasing an autobiography since then.
We discuss "I Want to Be Alone" (a 1965 single), "Rose Hip November" from Just Another Diamond Day (1970), "Wayward from Lookaftering (2005), and the title track from Heartleap (2014). Intro: "Train Song" (1966 single); the singles were released on Some Things Just Stick in Your Mind (2007). More at anotherday.co.uk.
Hear more Nakedly Examined Music at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Support us at patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic.Partially Examined Life #316 Live: Dostoevskys Brothers KaramazovThe Partially Examined Life2023-04-30 | Filmed at the Caveat in NYC on 4-15-23. Featuring Mark Linsenmayer, Wes Alwan, Seth Paskin, and Dylan Casey. This is ep. 316 of the podcast; get more episodes at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Support this effort at partiallyexaminedlife.com/support.Pretty Much Pop #148: Resource Management Video GamesThe Partially Examined Life2023-04-24 | Mark, Al, our editor Tyler Hislop, and Dr. Jamie Madigan of the Psychology of Video Games podcast talk about a wide range crafting and building games from Minecraft to Starcraft to Sim City to Civilization to Rimworld to Subnautica. Given what a time commitment these typically require, what makes some of them worthwhile?
For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.
Sponsors: Listen to The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman and The History of Literature Podcast with Jacke WIlson.Partially Examined Life #315: Mengzi (Mencius) on Virtuous LeadersThe Partially Examined Life2023-04-17 | Continuing from ep. 314 (which starts here: youtu.be/yLgR0h81xoQ), Mark, Wes, Seth, and Dylan go further into the collected teachings of this early Confucian (aka Ruhist) from the late 4th century BCE. What's the best way to be a virtuous person and hence an effective leader?
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion, including a supporter-exclusive final part to this discussion.Philosophy vs. Improv #51: All CroutonsThe Partially Examined Life2023-04-10 | Mark and Bill engage in a wide-ranging discussion (with scenes, of course) covering the categorization of things, paradigm components and essences of things, historical advertisements, what goes in a museum, irresponsible loans, using the tools of convenience, diner culture, obsolete storage media, undefined locations, self-serve oil change, and a surprise ending whereby you learn that we've been painting the fence all along!
Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com.
Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com.
Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast to get all our post-game discussions, video versions of recent episodes, and other bonus stuff.Partially Examined Life #314: Mengzi (Mencius) on Moral Psychology (Part Two)The Partially Examined Life2023-04-10 | Continuing from youtu.be/yLgR0h81xoQ on the teachings of Mengzi from ca. 350 BCE, without our guest.
We go into textual quotes, covering the "sprouts" of virtue, whether human nature is good or simply malleable, whether tastes are universal, and more.
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.NEM#193: Peter Cases Songs About NowThe Partially Examined Life2023-04-08 | Initially compared as a rock singer with John Lennon in the late '70s and early '80s with The Nerves and The Plimsouls, his subsequent sixteen solo albums beginning in 1986 have embraced blues, solo acoustic guitar, and on his new album, highly percussive piano (on his new album).
We discuss "Have You Ever Been in Trouble?" from Dr. Moan (2023), "Every 24 Hours" feat. Richard Thompson from Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John (2007), "When You Find Out" by the Nerves from their self-titled EP (1976). End song: "Anything" from Torn Again (1995). For more, see petercase.com.
Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.Partially Examined Life #314: Mengzi (Mencius) on Moral Psychology (Part One)The Partially Examined Life2023-04-03 | On the greatest early philosopher interpreting and expanding on Confucius, from ca. 350 BCE. with guest Krishnan Venkatesh of the St. John's College Eastern Classics program.
We talk about the challenges of connecting ancient Chinese and Greek philosophies and explore Mencius' distinctively Chinese take on respecting your parents.
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.
Get your streaming or in-person ticket to our April 15 live show at partiallyexaminedlife.com/live.Pretty Much Pop #147: Nostalgic Mysteries (Knives Out, Poker Face) from Rian JohnsonThe Partially Examined Life2023-04-02 | Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al talk about Rian Johnson's new show Poker Face as basically a Columbo reboot (a "howcatchem" instead of a "whodunnit"), plus his recent films Knives Out and Glass Onion that modernize and subvert Agatha Christie.
For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.Partially Examined Life #313: Mozis Political Ethics (Part Two)The Partially Examined Life2023-03-27 | Continuing from youtu.be/jWgi6EmPksk on the central Mohist text, with guest Tzuchien Tho.
We talk about Mozi's ideas about encouraging morality, preventing war, restricting music and elaborate funerals, plus the Will of Heaven, identification with one's superiors, and fatalism.
Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and a supporter-exclusive part three to this discussion.Philosophy vs. Improv #50: Pro Tips w/ Marla CáceresThe Partially Examined Life2023-03-26 | Marla is an improviser from the Whirled News Tonight iO Theater show. We talk about obeying proper forms of behavior and drawing improv inspiration from outside sources. Plus, a thruple blind date and BBQ chain of custody. And introducing a new character, Lil' Confucius.
Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com.
Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com.
Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast at patreon.com/philosophyimprov to get all our post-game discussions, video versions of recent episodes, and other bonus stuff.Nakedly Examined Music #192: Guitarist Ivan Julian Serves the SongThe Partially Examined Life2023-03-25 | Ivan was a founding member of Richard Hell and the Voidoids in 1977, fronted The Outsets in the '80s, and has put out two solo albums while playing with Matthew Sweet, Shriekback, and other projects.
We discuss "I am Not a Drone (Alone)" (and listen to "Voodoo Christmas") from Swing Your Lanterns (2023), the title track from Naked Flame (2011), and "Liars Beware," by Richard Hell and the Voidoids from Blank Generation (1977). Other clips: "Everything or Nothing" by Outsets from Punk Voodoo Collection (1984) and "Someone to Pull the Trigger" by Matthew Sweet from Altered Beast (1993). For more, see ivanjulian.com.
Hear more Nakedly Examined Music at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Support us at patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic to get an extra Ivan song with some more interview footage.
Sponsor: Check out the Songs My Ex Ruined podcast.Partially Examined Life #313: Mozis Political Ethics (Part One)The Partially Examined Life2023-03-20 | On selections of the central Mohist text, from ca. 430 B.C.E., with guest Tzuchien Tho.
Mozi claims that we should regard everyone on the same level as our family and believe whatever doctrines will be most beneficial to the people.
This discussion continues with youtu.be/NN3m0bqL_jk. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion including a new Nightcap discussion relevant to this episode about tributes to the dead.Partially Examined Life #312: The Dao De Jing on Virtue (Part Two)The Partially Examined Life2023-03-13 | Concluding our discussion of the Daodejing with guest Theo Brooks. We cover some more ambiguous cosmological passages and return to political philosophy.
This continues directly from youtu.be/3PxllQ5Y1Q0. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion.Philosophy vs. Improv #49: Ferrets in Uniform with Cole NasrallahThe Partially Examined Life2023-03-12 | We talk transcendental idealism and Schopenhauer with Cole, who teaches philosophy at the College of Southern Nevada. Also, the least effective confidential informant!
Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com.
Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com.
Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast at patreon.com/philosophyimprov to get all our post-game discussions, video versions of recent episodes, and other bonus stuff.Pretty Much Pop#146: Black Panther Films and ComicsThe Partially Examined Life2023-03-12 | Perhaps alone in the Marvel Universe, Black Panther is taken seriously as a political statement, both in the content of its stories and in how the films are produced. Wakanda purports to present an alternate historical condition of Africa had it not been colonized.
Mark, Lawrence Ware, Anthony LeBlanc, and Viola Burlew discuss the comics and films, getting into the political ideas, the social function, the heroic character, and the unique challenge of making the film when the main actor has died.
For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.Partially Examined Life #312: The Dao De Jing on Virtue (Part One)The Partially Examined Life2023-03-06 | For our second full discussion (The first is at youtu.be/eXImJ_aGqig, then youtu.be/gOfjdFrO4BA) on the Daodejing by Laozi, we talk about the actions and attitudes that characterize the Daoist sage. With Theo Brooks.
Topics include being virtuous vs. just following rules, Daoist tranquility, achieving without trying too hard, and more.
The final part of this discussion is at youtu.be/sBe4KgS7k2U. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion including a new Nightcap discussion about philosophy as self-help.