PREMIUM-PEL Nightcap April 2023
Recorded 4/3/23 as we prepped for our live show, Mark, Wes and Dylan talk about The Last of Us and possible future episodes on animal ethics and/or animal consciousness, the death drive, plus the already tentatively scheduled episodes about the Romantics and Kierkegaard. In the course of this, we consider the relationship between philosophy and scientific fact. If you're not hearing the full v...
13m Apr 16, 2023
13m
PEL Presents NEM#193: Peter Case's Songs About Now
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...
1hr 13m Apr 15, 2023
1hr 13m
Ep. 314: Mengzi (Mencius) on Moral Psychology (Part Two)
Continuing 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 (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus di...
46m Apr 10, 2023
46m
Ep. 314: Mengzi (Mencius) on Moral Psychology (Part One)
On the greatest early philosopher interpreting and expanding on Confucius, from ca. 350 BCE. with guest Krishnan Venkatesh (https://www.sjc.edu/news/tutors-talk-books-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....
42m Apr 03, 2023
42m
PEL Presents PvI#50: Pro Tips w/ Marla Cáceres
Marla (https://www.secondcity.com/people/chicago/marla-caceres/) is an improviser from the Whirled News Tonight (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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 philoso...
54m Apr 03, 2023
54m
PREMIUM-Ep. 313: Mozi's Political Ethics (Part Three)
We get into quotes from Mozi about his arguments against fatalism and Confucianism, support for meritocracy and identifying with superiors, and description of the Will of Heaven. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2023/03/25/ep313-3-mozi-citizen/) , sign up via one of the options described at https://partiallyexaminedlife.co...
11m Apr 02, 2023
11m
PMP#147: Nostalgic Mysteries (Knives Out, Poker Face) from Rian Johnson
prettymuchpop.com, patreon.com/prettymuchpop
52m Apr 01, 2023
52m
Ep. 313: Mozi's Political Ethics (Part Two)
Continuing 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 (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free ep...
52m Mar 27, 2023
52m
PEL Presents NEM#192: Guitarist Ivan Julian Serves the Song
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 Voido...
55m Mar 26, 2023
55m
Announcement: PEL Live April 15 in NYC, Streamed Worldwide
Folks should join us on at the Caveat in Lower Manhattan on Saturday, 4/15/23 at 7pm ET. You can also stream the even either at the time or afterwards. See https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/live for tickets.
4m Mar 25, 2023
4m
Ep. 313: Mozi's Political Ethics (Part One)
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. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of b...
47m Mar 20, 2023
47m
PEL Presents PvI#49: Ferrets in Uniform with Cole Nasrallah
On this episode of Philosophy vs. Improv, 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 (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com (https://chicagoimprovstudio.com/) . Hea...
48m Mar 20, 2023
48m
PREMIUM-PEL Nightcap Late March 2023
Mark, Seth, and Dylan talk about what makes for a fitting tribute for those departed, mourning customs, how Daoism has personally affected us, and more. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2023/03/16/pel-eulogies-nightcap-late-march-2023/) , sign up via one of the options described at https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support.
9m Mar 20, 2023
9m
Ep. 312: The Dao De Jing on Virtue (Part Two)
Concluding our discussion of the Daodejing with guest Theo Brooks. We cover some more ambiguous cosmological passages and return to political philosophy. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsors: Get 3 months VPN free at ExpressVPN.com/pel (https:/...
42m Mar 13, 2023
42m
PEL Presents #146: Black Panther Films and Comics
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 (https://lawrence-ware.com/) , Anthony LeBlanc (https://www.secondcity.com/people/anthony-leblanc/) , and Viol...
1hr 3m Mar 12, 2023
1hr 3m
PEL Presents NEM#191: Chris Slusarenko and John Moen As (And Before) Eyelids
Chris and John are veterans of the Portland music scene since the mid '80s. By the '00s, John was drumming for bands like the Decembrists, while Chris was playing bass for Guided by Voices. They recorded together as Boston Spaceships (aka The Takeovers) with GBV frontman Robert Pollard from 2005-2011 and then founded Eyelids, which has now issued 17 releases including four full albums. We disc...
1hr 23m Mar 10, 2023
1hr 23m
Ep. 312: The Dao De Jing on Virtue (Part One)
For our second full discussion 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. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/suppor...
49m Mar 06, 2023
49m
PREMIUM-PEL Nightcap Early March 2023
Mark, Wes, Dylan, and Seth reflect on the interpretive challenges of the Daodejing, and in the full Nightcap, take on the question of whether philosophy works as self-help. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2023/03/04/nightcap-early-march-2023/) , sign up via one of the options described at https://partiallyexaminedlife.com...
9m Mar 05, 2023
9m
Ep. 311: Understanding the Dao De Jing (Part Two)
Continuing on the central Daoist text with guest Theodore Brooks. We explore practical vs. metaphysical interpretations of the Dao, the relation of things to their opposites, emptiness, and "straw dogs." Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsors: Ch...
44m Feb 27, 2023
44m
PEL Presents NEM#190: Jad Fair (Half Japanese): Being Productive = Being Yourself
Jad estimates he's released over 180 albums between his band, solo, and collaborative work. He started Half Japanese with his brother David in 1975. We discuss "Fate Is On Our Side" by Jad with Samuel Locke Ward from Happy Hearts (2023), "Hold On" by Half Japanese from Perfect (2016), "Frankenstein Must Die" (1977), "Do It To It" from Now It's Back (2021), and conclude by listening to "Cupid" ...
1hr 4m Feb 26, 2023
1hr 4m
PEL Presents PMP#145: Growing Up Sitcommed
Mark, Sarahlyn, Lawrence, and guest Landen Celano from the Grunt Work podcast (http://gruntworkpodcast.com/) talk about talk about our ambivalence toward the three-camera, laugh-tracked half-hour comedies that filled our childhoods. Why did some of these stand the test of time? Are some shows well suited for hate-watching or background watching? Why the Night Court reboot doing so well? We tou...
56m Feb 24, 2023
56m
Ep. 311: Understanding the Dao De Jing (Part One)
On the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi (ca. 500 BCE), with guest Theodore Brooks. We talk about the wildly different, interpretive translations of this foundational Daoist (Taoist) text, its political views, and what the Dao might actually be. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes ...
50m Feb 20, 2023
50m
PEL Presents Philosophy vs. Improv #48: Debates in the Orthaganon
Mark and Bill act out a couple of scenes of a person trying to convince a stubborn person of something. But there's a twist in the characterization! Also, before you were born, the world did not exist. Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com (https://chicagoimprovstudio.com/) . Hear more a...
50m Feb 20, 2023
50m
PREMIUM-PEL Nightcap February 2023
Mark, Wes, and Seth anticipate our Dao De Jing and Dostoevsky recordings and talk about Russian literature. In the full episode, we also talk about covering Hebrew ethics, and, of course, Chat f-ing GPT. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2023/02/12/nightcap-feb-2023/) , sign up via one of the options described at https://pa...
12m Feb 18, 2023
12m
Ep. 310: Wittgenstein On World-Pictures (Part Two)
Concluding our discussion of On Certainty, with guest Chris Heath. We try one last time to get a handle on Wittgenstein's philosophy of science. How do people actually change their minds about fundamental beliefs? Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion inc...
47m Feb 13, 2023
47m
PEL Presents Philosophy vs. Improv #47: What's In the Chili? w/ Rachael Mason
Rachael was a mentor of Bill's and works with him at the newly reopened iO Theater (https://ioimprov.com/instructors/) . So it's like we have TWO improv instructors here. We run some  scenes, talk a bit too much about chili, and touch on functionalism, idealism, napism, and other isms. Jump into the marzipan! Brucie and Frucie are waiting for you! Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.co...
52m Feb 12, 2023
52m
PEL Presents PMP#144: Androids and Us
Do movie robots want to love us, be us, or kill us? Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al talk through various ethical and narrative problems having to do with the creation of artificial life. We all watched M3GAN and Steve Spielberg's A.I., and also touch on After Yang, Ex Machina, Bicentennial Man, the BBC show Humans, and of course this is an element in classic sci-fi properties like Alien, Blad...
45m Feb 12, 2023
45m
Ep. 310: Wittgenstein On World-Pictures (Part One)
We continue with Ludwig Wittgenstein's On Certainty (written 1951), with guest Christopher Heath. What is Wittgenstein's philosophy of science as it's reflected in this book? We talk about Weltbilds (world pictures) and how these relate to language games, relativism, verification, paradigms, testimony, and more. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visi...
45m Feb 06, 2023
45m
PREMIUM-PEL Nightcap January 2023
We compare translations of Dostoyevsky in prep for our April live show, discuss future show topics, and go over insights from our past discussions on Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2023/01/29/nightcap-january-2023/) , sign up via one of the options described at https://partial...
10m Jan 31, 2023
10m
Ep. 309: Wittgenstein On Certainty (Part Two)
Continuing to discuss On Certainty, we get deeply into textual quotes. How does he actually respond to Moore's argument about his hand? How does he extend his account to talk about mathematical and scientific statements? Is Wittgenstein a pragmatist? Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free epis...
40m Jan 30, 2023
40m
PEL Presents PvI#46: Seize the Day How Exactly? w/ Nick Riggle
What does the shortness of our lives and the beauty of the world actually entail in terms of behavior and philosophy? Nick (http://www.nickriggle.com/) is a former pro skater who teaches philosophy at U. of San Diego (https://www.sandiego.edu/directory/biography.php?profile_id=828&utm_campaign=DirectoryOneSource&utm_medium=search&utm_source=directoryonesource) and has written This Beauty (https...
54m Jan 30, 2023
54m
PEL Presents PMP#143: Pinocchio the Unfilmable (Yet Frequently Filmed)
Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al discuss the original 1883 freaky children's story and consider the recent rush of film versions (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/search?search=pinnochio) , from a new Disney/Robert Zemikis CGI take (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinocchio_(2022_live-action_film)) to Guillermo del Toro's stop-motion passion project (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillermo_del_Toro...
52m Jan 28, 2023
52m
Ep. 309: Wittgenstein On Certainty (Part One)
Discussing the notes Ludwig Wittgenstein made at the end of his life in 1951 that were published as On Certainty in 1969. Can we coherently doubt propositions like "physical objects exist," "the world is more than 50 years old," and "this is my hand"? Wittgenstein looks at these questions via his framework of language games. Is doubting one of these a legitimate move in a game? Get more at pa...
43m Jan 23, 2023
43m
PEL Presents PMP#142: Lyric Literality w/ Dave Philpott
Since 2008, Dave has written cheeky (but actually heavily researched) letters to rock stars that point out logical flaws in and/or deliberately misunderstand their lyrics. Many of these have been answered by the artists and housed in three books: Dear Mr. Kershaw (https://amzn.to/3QF3arT) , Dear Mr. Popstar (https://amzn.to/3XcHExa) , and Grammar Free In The U.K (https://amzn.to/3w1N9mh) . Mar...
59m Jan 23, 2023
59m
PEL Prewsents NEM#188: Pat Irwin (Raybeats, B-52s, SUSS) Writes for TV (and Himself)
Pat started in the late '70s New York No Wave scene with 8-Eyed spy, but quickly got into soundtrack work for shows like Nurse Jackie, plus cartoons and indie films. We discuss clips from Dexter: New Blood (2022), Bored to Death (2011), and Rocco's Modern Life (feat. the B-52s, with whom he was playing at the time in 1992), plus "In Another Time" from Duets for Electric Guitar and Piano (2018)...
1hr 6m Jan 22, 2023
1hr 6m
Ep. 308: Moore's Proof of Mind-Independent Reality (Part Two)
We quickly complete our treatment of G.E. Moore’s "Proof of the External World" (1939) and move on to consider "Certainty" (1941). Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and first crack at tickets for PEL Live in Manhattan on April 15. Sponsors: Check out the Weird Studies podcast at ...
48m Jan 16, 2023
48m
PEL Presents Philosophy vs. Improv #45: Meaningful Road Trips w/ Dee Bradley Baker
Voice actor Dee (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0048389/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) , who has a background in both improv and stand-up, talks to Mark and Bill about the meaning of life and engages in THREE scenes all about a parent trying to get some kids into a vehicle and on the road. Also, does COVID cause ennui? Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . B...
52m Jan 13, 2023
52m
Ep. 308: Moore's Proof of Mind-Independent Reality (Part One)
On G.E. Moore’s "Proof of the External World" (1939) and "Certainty" (1941). Moore shows you his hands and says "these are my hands, which are physical objects, and thus the external world exists!" Does this defeat skepticism? Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus d...
46m Jan 09, 2023
46m
PREMIUM-PEL Nightcap 2022 Wrap-Up
Recorded by Mark, Wes, and Dylan before our Moore discussion, we play one more listener appreciation clip that leads us into an examination of whether you listeners should try to read the texts we cover yourselves. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2023/01/01/nightcap-2022-wrap-up/) , sign up via one of the options describe...
10m Jan 08, 2023
10m
PEL Presents NEM#187: Eszter Balint Interprets Her Past
Eszter is an actor/musician, gaining initial fame starring in Jim Jarmusch's first major film Stranger Than Paradise (1984). She has released four albums of often autobiographical songs since 1998. We discuss "The First Day" (and end by listening to "Freaks") from I Hate Memory (2022) feat. Stew and Syd Straw; this album has been made into a stage show. We then turn to "Exit at 63" from Airles...
1hr 11m Jan 06, 2023
1hr 11m
Ep. 307: G.E. Moore Defends Common Sense (Part Two)
Continuing on "A Defense of Common Sense" (1925). Moore argues that physical facts are not dependent on minds and considers the various ways of analyzing the act of seeing and identifying your hand. Yes, he really does this! Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus disc...
50m Jan 02, 2023
50m
PEL Presents Philosophy vs. Improv #44: Stand-Up vs. Improv w/ Matty Goldberg
As our first stand-up comedian (albeit one on sabbatical) guest, Matty (http://www.mattygoldberg.com/) has inspired us to largely ignore the philosophy on this one and instead look at these two different ways of producing comedy. Do the motivations of improv folks and comics differ? Which group is more annoying? Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com...
58m Dec 29, 2022
58m
Ep. 307: G.E. Moore Defends Common Sense (Part One)
On "A Defense of Common Sense" (1925), featuring Mark, Wes, Seth, and Dylan. Moore defends our pre-philosophical certainty in beliefs about the existence of physical objects and other minds against skeptics and idealists. Is his apparently simple argument effective or just glib? Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.co...
42m Dec 26, 2022
42m
Pretty Much Pop #141: Christmas Songs
The PMP A-Team (Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al) talk about the canon of Christmas songs, from centuries-old carols to current attempts by pop stars to get added to this cycle of cash-flow. Happy holidays, everybody! We also do a bit of year-end reflection, getting into various things we've watched with some recommendations and ambivalent reflections. For more, visit prettymuchpop.com (http:...
1hr 14m Dec 26, 2022
1hr 14m
PEL Presents (sub)Text: Pagan Poetics in “Sunday Morning” by Wallace Stevens
Wallace Stevens was an ungainly insurance executive, but his poetry is serene and secularly reverential. In particular, his poem “Sunday Morning” seems to suggest that the rhythm of the natural world—if we give it enough rapt attention—is as good as any chant or prayer. But can a return to nature worship solve the problem of nihilism, once monotheism has been eclipsed by modernity? Are memory a...
1hr 14m Dec 25, 2022
1hr 14m
PREMIUM-Ep. 306: Dworkin and the Dobbs Decision (Part Three)
Concluding on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2021) Supreme Court decision. We talk more about the rationale for the decision and in particular the dissent by Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2022/12/18/ep306-3-dworkin-dobbs-citizen/) , sign up via one of the options describe...
12m Dec 24, 2022
12m
Ep. 306: Dworkin and the Dobbs Decision (Part Two)
Continuing on Ronald Dworkin's "Unenumerated Rights: Whether and How Roe Should be Overruled" (1992) and the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2021) decision featuring guest Robin Linsenmayer. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion including the...
53m Dec 19, 2022
53m
PEL Presents NEM#186: Simon Ratcliffe (Basement Jaxx, Village of the Sun): From House Music to Jazz Fusion
Simon has produced programmed dance music since the early '90s, winning Grammys and topping charts with his partner Felix Buxton as Basement Jaxx through their seven albums and several EPs. We discuss "Village of the Sun" by his new project of that name from First Light (2022), "Flying by the Sun" by Ratcliffe from Dorus Rijkers EP (2011), to "Alkazaar" by Basement Jaxx from Zephyr (2009), and...
1hr 17m Dec 16, 2022
1hr 17m
Ep. 306: Dworkin and the Dobbs Decision (Part One)
Does the U.S. Constitution guarantee the right to an abortion? We discuss Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2021) and Ronald Dworkin's "Unenumerated Rights: Whether and How Roe Should be Overruled" (1992). With guest Robin Linsenmayer. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Visit https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes...
43m Dec 12, 2022
43m
PREMIUM-Ep. 305: Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian" (Part Three)
To conclude our discussion of Blood Meridian, we talk about the roles of maturation and regression in the novel, plus more on Judge Holden's philosophy, and more. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2022/12/04/ep305-3-cormac-mccarthy-blood-meridian-citizen/) , sign up via one of the options described at https://partiallyexami...
11m Dec 10, 2022
11m