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podcast2009–present

The Partially Examined Life

Disciplines:
philosophy & ideas

Summary

Four former philosophy PhD students read and debate primary philosophical texts—Nietzsche, Hegel, Heidegger, Wittgenstein, Kant—with genuine argument, humour, and no grade pressure.

Core Contribution

Demonstrates that serious philosophical engagement doesn't require academic credentials; models collaborative close reading; made canonical Continental philosophy accessible.

Key Spikes & Highlights

  • Nietzsche
  • Hegel
  • Heidegger
  • Wittgenstein
  • existentialism

Historical Influences

Primary textsPhilosophy Bites Academic philosophy seminar culture

Intellectual Lineage

No conceptual lineage found.

Allied Works

PEL Citizens communityNakedly Examined Music podcastPretty Much Pop

Contemporaries & Peers

History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps Very Bad Wizards Entitled Opinions

Minds Influenced

Philosophy podcast genre Amateur philosophy communitiesClose-reading podcast format

Intellectual Posterity

One of the longest-running philosophy podcasts; spawned a community and follow-up series; model for the 'serious amateurs reading hard texts' genre.

Discussing

The Partially Examined Life

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