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All Episodes from PEL Network Podcasts

NEM#130: Mark Farner (ex Grand Funk Railroad) Back from the Dead

September 2, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 3 Comments

Mark led Grand Funk Railroad through 13 albums in the 70s and early 80s and has had around eight solo releases.

We discuss “Nadean” from For the People (2006), “Not Yet” from Some Kind of Wonderful (1991), and the title track of Born to Die by Grand Funk Railroad. End song: “Take You Out.” Intro: “I’m Your Captain” from GFR’s Closer to Home (1979). For more see markfarner.com.

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.

Phi Fic #36 The Canterbury Tales–Part Two

September 1, 2020 by Laura Davis Leave a Comment

In this episode, we are discussing the Pardoner’s Tale from the Canterbury Tales, a book of stories by the Late Medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer. This follows up on our last episode, where we discussed other selections from the book about a group of not-quite-pious pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral…telling each other stories.

PEL Nightcap Early September 2020 (Citizens Only)

September 1, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 1 Comment

The fourth in our series of fun, supporter-only, extra fun off-week discussions. Here we anticipate our Habermas reading, talk about our favorite podcast apps, non-gendered pronouns, the (sub)Text launch, and we discuss listener feedback asking about the history of “rights,” and blasting the approach in our early episodes. What kinds of criticism are worth responding to?

Ep. 250: Simone Weil on Human Needs (Part Three)

August 31, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 1 Comment

Concluding on “The Needs of the Soul” from The Need for Roots (1943). This time we cover punishment, security, risk, private property, collective property, freedom of opinion, and truth.

Start with part one or get the full, ad-free Citizen Edition. Supporting PEL will also get you access to our PEL Nightcaps

End song: “Even Though the Darkest Clouds” by liar, flower. Mark interviewed KatieJane Garside on Nakedly Examined Music #127.

Sponsors: Visit TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/PEL for a free trial of The Great Courses Plus Video Learning Service. Get up to a $100 donation matched at Givewell.org/PEL, selecting “podcast” and “Partially Examined Life” at checkout. Subscribe to the Burn Your Draft podcast Seth helped with!

(sub)Text: Truth as Beauty in Keats’ Ode on a “Grecian Urn”

August 28, 2020 by Wes Alwan 1 Comment

Wes and Erin discuss how it is that aesthetic judgments can communicate a kind of truth that is not strictly descriptive or factual.

Pretty Much Pop #57: Back to the Damn Arena – The Hunger Games Prequel

August 26, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Remember when The Hunger Games was everywhere? Suzanne Collins returns to Just War Theory lessons with the prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Mark, Erica, and Brian review the new book and look back on the YA novel/film franchise. Does the work critique yet glorify violence at the same time? Will the film version of the new novel be our next Phantom Menace?

For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content for this episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop.

PEL Nightcap Late August 2020 (Citizens Only)

August 25, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 3 Comments

More listener email and postings about things we could potentially cover. Edith Stein? Dietrich von HIldebrand? Fichte? Schelling? F.H. Bradley? Eric Hoffer? What’s everybody’s favorite era of philosophy? One listener suggests we do another political one surrounding the upcoming election. Or maybe redo things we covered many years ago.

But first, more about podcast and lecture listening habits. Hear Wes on vacation without his real microphone!

Ep. 250: Simone Weil on Human Needs (Part Two)

August 24, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Continuing on “The Needs of the Soul” from The Need for Roots (1943). We got started in part one with our need for order, and in this part we add liberty, obedience, responsibility, equality, hierarchy, and honor.

We’ll conclude with part 3, covering freedom of speech, punishment and more, but you needn’t wait: Get the full, ad-free Citizen Edition now. and you’ll also get our Nightcap recordings.

Sponsor: Open a real estate portfolio at fundrise.com/PEL and get your first 90 days of advisory fees waived.

NEM#129: New People – Matt Ackerman and Mark Lint on Collaboration

August 22, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Your host dissects the collaborative chemistry with guitarist Matt Ackerman as the two front men of the band New People (2006-2013).

We discuss “Down So Low” (intro: “Love Is the Problem”) from The Easy Thing (2008), “Manager” from Impossible Things (2011), and “Local” and “At the Time” from Might Get It Right (2013), plus “We Who Have Escaped” (later in 2013, released on Songs from the Partially Examined Life). Intro: “Love Is the Problem” also from The Easy Thing. For more, see newpeopleband.com and marklint.bandcamp.com.

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.

(sub)Text: Love and Wit in Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”

August 21, 2020 by Wes Alwan Leave a Comment

Wes and Erin discuss Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, which seems to suggest that witty banter is more than just good fun, and has an important role to play in getting to know others.

Pretty Much Pop #56: Black + Nerd = BLERD w/ Anthony LeBlanc

August 18, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

The Interim Executive Producer of The Second City joins Mark, Erica, and Brian to discuss the scope of black nerd-dom: what nerdy properties provide to those who feel “othered,” using sci-fi to talk about race, Black Panther, afrofuturism, black anime fans, Star Trek, Key & Peele, Get Out vs. Us, and more.

For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content for this episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop.

Sponsor: Get 15% off earbuds at BuyRaycon.com/Pretty w/ offer code “Pretty15.”

Ep. 250: Simone Weil on Human Needs (Part One)

August 18, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 7 Comments

On “The Needs of the Soul” from The Need for Roots (1943) and “Meditation on Obedience and Liberty” (1937).

What are our needs that should then drive what kind of society would be best for us? Weil says we need liberty yet obedience, equality yet hierarchy, security yet risk… and none of these words mean quite what you’d think. And to start off, why do the many obey the few?

Don’t wait for Part Two; get the full, ad-free Citizen Edition now. Please support PEL! Support for this discussion came from listener Charles, who dedicates it to Temple Grandin. 

Sponsors: Get $35 off meal delivery at SunBasket.com/PEL, code PEL. Visit TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/PEL for a free trial of The Great Courses Plus Video Learning Service. Get up to a $100 donation matched at Givewell.org/PEL, selecting “podcast” and “Partially Examined Life” at checkout.

(sub)Text: Mastery and Repetition in “Groundhog Day”

August 15, 2020 by Wes Alwan 4 Comments

When egotistical weatherman Phil Connors gets trapped in a time loop in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, he gets drunk, steals money, manipulates women, binges on breakfast food, plays God… and finally grows up. The story charts Phil’s development over the course of thousands of repeated February 2nds. Along the way, it raises questions about our own capacity for growth. How do we go about improving ourselves? How can we escape boredom? Achieve fulfillment? Wes and Erin discuss the 1993 film Groundhog Day.

NEM#128: Roger Joseph Manning Jr.’s Crazy Fun with Arrangements

August 14, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Roger rose to fame as keyboardist/songwriter for Jellyfish in the early ’90s, then formed Imperial Drag, The Moog Cookbook, TV Eyes, backed Beck, and finally released two albums under his own name starting in 2006. He’s recently released a solo EP and one with The Likerish Quartet that reunites him with some other members of Jellyfish.

We discuss “Lighthouse Spaceship” by The Lickerish Quartet from Threesome, Vol. 1 (2020), “The Turnstile at Heaven’s Gate” from Catnip Dynamite (2008), “Time to Time” by Malibu (a solo techno project) from Robo-Sapiens (2007), and listen to “Operator” from his solo Glamping EP (2018). Intro: “The King is Half-Undressed” by Jellyfish from Bellybutton (1990). For more, see thelickerishquartet.com and rogerarranging.com.

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.

Visit masterclass.com/EXAMINED for 15% off a MasterClass All-Access Pass and use code NEM15 at BuyRaycon.com/nem for 15% off wireless earbuds.

(sub)Text: Marital Economics in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”

August 13, 2020 by Wes Alwan 6 Comments

How do we know if two people are well-suited to each other? What makes a successful match? Is Mr. Collins actually the perfect man? Wes and Erin discuss Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Combat & Classics Ep. 49 Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus” Book VIII with Shilo Brooks

August 12, 2020 by Jeff Black Leave a Comment

All good things must come to an end — but so must all bad things, and Cyrus’ empire ends badly. Was Cyrus happy? Is it possible to rule human beings the way he did, like a god, and also make yourself and them happy? And why did such a cold king have two sons? Brian, Shilo, and Jeff have answers, Continue Reading …

Pretty Much Pop #55: Food as Pop w/ Thi Nguyen

August 12, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Mark, Erica, and Brian are joined by Utah philosophy prof and former food writer C. Thi Nguyen to talk food as art, foodies, elitism, food TV, cooking vs. eating, and how analyzing food is like analyzing games.

Ep. 249: Dewey on Education and Thought (Part Two)

August 10, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 1 Comment

Continuing on John Dewey’s Democracy and Education (1916) ch. 1, 2, 4, and 24 with guest Jonathan Haber.

How is education different than mere conditioning, and how does it relate to habits and growth? We discuss how much of what Dewey recommends lines up with liberal education and multiculturalism. Also, can education change taste?

Start with part one, or get the full, ad-free Citizen Edition, which will also get you our PEL Nightcaps.

End song: “Too Far to Turn Around” by The Ides of March; Jim Peterik appears on Nakedly Examined Music #126.

Sponsors: Get 15% off game-changing wireless earbuds at BuyRaycon.com/pel. Visit SJC.edu to learn about St. John’s College. Visit TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/PEL for a free trial of unlimited learning from the world’s greatest professors.

PEL Nightcap Early August 2020 (Citizens Only)

August 10, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 4 Comments

Our supporter exposure continues! This time we talk about whether we should do more non-Western philosophy, and if not, does that make us racist? Also, maybe more episodes on communications and rhetoric? Or finally personal identity? Also, outreach to supporters re. PEL Live Remote 2020 and ongoing topic suggestions.

Pretty Much Pop #54: The Genius(?) of Rick and Morty

August 5, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Mark, Erica, and Brian address critically acclaimed Adult Swim show. What kind of humor is it? Can we take the sci-fi and family drama elements seriously? How smart are the show and its fans? Is Rick a super hero, or Dr. Who? What will this serialized sit-com look like in longevity?

For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content for this episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop.

Combat & Classics Ep. 48 Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus” Book VII

August 4, 2020 by Jeff Black Leave a Comment

Abradatas is hacked to pieces, and Panthea kills herself over his corpse.  Croesus is defeated by Cyrus, and tries to teach him what “know thyself” means.  And Cyrus surrounds himself with a bodyguard… of eunuchs?  In this episode, Brian, Shilo, and Jeff finally confront the question of what “the education of Cyrus” really means.  To suffer is to learn… but Continue Reading …

Ep. 249: Dewey on Education and Thought (Part One)

August 3, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 3 Comments

On John Dewey’s How We Think (1910) ch. 1 and Democracy and Education (1916) ch. 1, 2, 4, and 24.

What model of human nature should serve as the basis for education policy? Dewey sees learning as growth, and the point of education as to enable indefinite growth. With guest Jonathan Haber.

Don’t wait for part two; get the full, ad-free Citizen Edition now. Please support PEL!

Sponsors: Visit SJC.edu to learn about St. John’s College. Check out the Being Reasonable podcast.

NEM#127: KatieJane Garside Is an Impulse of Chance

August 2, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

KatieJane gained fame fronting British grunge band Daisy Chainsaw, left after their first full album but resumed the project under the name Queenadreena for four albums in the ’00s, then partnered with Chris Whittingham in 2007 to live on a boat and play as the stripped-down Ruby Throat for four albums. That band has now become loud again and been re-christened Liar, Flower.

We discuss “My Brain is Lit Like an Airport” and hear the title track from Geiger Counter (2020), then look back to “Hu’u” by Ruby Throat from Baby Darling Taporo (2017) and “Lesions In The Brain” by Lalleshwari (a one-off solo moniker) from Lullabies in a Glass Wilderness (2007). Intro: “Love Your Money” from Daisy Chainsaw from Eleventeen (1992). For more, see katiejanegarside.com.

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.

Pretty Much Pop #53: The Hamilton Phenomenon w/ Sam Simahk

July 29, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Erica, Mark, and Brian are joined by Broadway actor Sam to discuss this unique convergence of musical theater, rap, and historical drama.

Does Hamilton deserve its accolades? We cover the re-emergence of stage music as pop music, live vs. filmed vs. film-adapted musicals, creators starring in their shows, race-inclusive casting, and the politics surrounding the show.

For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content for this episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop.

Ep. 248: Racism and Policing (Al-Saji, Merleau-Ponty, et al) (Part Two)

July 27, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 7 Comments

Continuing on Alia Al-Saji’s “A Phenomenology of Hesitation” (2014) and other things with guest Phil Hopkins. 

Can we restructure our (and the police’s) reactions and live with each other? We further explore the psychology of habit and Al-Saji’s notion of hesitation. How does it compare to other types of heistation recommended by philosophies and religions?

Start with part one, or get the full, ad-free Citizen Edition. Includes a preview of our Citizen Hang.

End song: “Every Man’s Burden” by Dusty Wright, as interviewed on Nakedly Examined Music #89.

Sponsors: Get $35 off meal delivery at SunBasket.com/PEL, code PEL. Visit TheGreatCoursesPlus.com/PEL for a free trial of The Great Courses Plus Video Learning Service.

PEL Nightcap July 2020 (Citizens Only)

July 27, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 10 Comments

Introducing supporter-only banter, listener mail, behind-the-scenes, and misc. philosophizing. Today: Do PEL hosts listen to episodes that they don’t appear on? Plus, a listener suggests “scalar” utilitarianism.

Pretty Much Pop #52: The Twilight Zone from Serling to Peele

July 22, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Something’s strange… Is it a dream? If it’s a morality tale with a twist ending, you’re probably in the Twilight Zone.

Brian, Erica, Mark, and guest Ken Gerber are in it this week, discussing the thrice revived TV series. Does the 1959-1963 show hold up? What makes for a good TZ episode, and does Jordan Peele’s latest iteration capture the spirit? We talk about episodes new and old, the 1983 film, plus comparisons to Black Mirror and David Lynch.

For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content for this episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop.

Combat & Classics Ep. 47 Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus” Book VI with Shilo Brooks

July 21, 2020 by Jeff Black Leave a Comment

Brian, Shilo and Jeff get together to talk more about the difference between sexual and political love, or eros, and about the connection between eros and gratitude.  We end on another cliffhanger, as Cyrus’ army, complete with siege engines, is about to attack the Assyrian host.  And Jeff admits to a crackpot theory about the connection between love, chariots, and… Continue Reading …

Ep. 248: Racism and Policing (Al-Saji, Merleau-Ponty, et al) (Part One)

July 20, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 4 Comments

On Alia Al-Saji’s “A Phenomenology of Hesitation” (2014), bits of Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception (1945) and Linda Martín Alcoff’s Visible Identities (2006), plus Alex Vitale’s The End of Policing (2017).

Is there subconscious racism, and how might we root it out and fix our policing problems? Ex-cop Phil Hopkins joins to look at how phenomenology can help.

Don’t wait for part two, get the full, ad-free Citizen Edition now. Please support PEL!

Sponsor: Visit thegreatcoursesplus.com/PEL for a free trial of The Great Courses Plus Video Learning Service.

NEM#126: Jim Peterik Eyes Much More Than the Tiger

July 17, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Jim has released 30+ albums since 1964 with Ides of March, Survivor, Pride of Lions, et al. Intro: His biggest hits, the title tracks of Vehicle (1970) and The Eye of the Tiger (1983).

We discuss his new solo single “Empty Arena” and two Ides of March tunes, “Friends Like You” from Play On (2019) feat. Mindi Abair and “L.A. Goodbye,” recorded in 1992 but originally from Common Bond (1971). End song: “The Spirit of Chicago,” a 1992 recording released on Ideology: Version 11.0. For more, see jimpeterik.com.

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.

Visit masterclass.com/EXAMINED for 15% off a MasterClass All-Access Pass and use code NEM15 at BuyRaycon.com/nem for 15% off wireless earbuds.

Combat & Classics Ep. 46 Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus” Book V with Shilo Brooks

July 14, 2020 by Jeff Black Leave a Comment

Shilo Brooks returns for the next podcast in our series on Xenophon’s Education of Cyrus.  We talk about Book V, the love book — easy now — and especially about the differences between sexual and political love.  Cyrus’ special friend returns, as does his boyfriend, and the Susan woman.  And the book ends with another kiss!  We also learn the Continue Reading …

Pretty Much Pop #51: Pictures Telling Stories w/ Joseph Watson

July 14, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

https://podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/partiallyexaminedlife/PMP_051_6-27-20.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:10 — 38.1MB) Is it really true that “every picture tells a story”? Storytelling is part of Joseph’s method, whether he’s creating city scenes or public sculpture or children’s illustrations. So how does the story an author may have in mind affect the viewer, and is this different for different types of art? Joseph, who works in Continue Reading …

Ep. 247: Aristotle on Rhetoric and Emotions (Part Two)

July 13, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Continuing on the Rhetoric (ca. 335 BCE) book 1, ch. 1-6 and book 2, ch. 1-5, 18-24.

We finish up with enthymemes (rhetorical arguments), maxims, and signs. We then move to emotions, where we chiefly talk about anger: Is it always a matter of status injury, or is frustration equally (or more) foundational?

Begin with part one, or get the unbroken, ad-free Citizen Edition now. Please support PEL!

End song: “Reason with the Beast” by Shriekback, whose leader Barry Andrews was interviewed on Nakedly Examined Music #107.

Sponsors: Save 25% on clothing styled for you at StitchFix.com/PEL. Visit thegreatcoursesplus.com/PEL for a free trial of The Great Courses Plus Video Learning Service.

Combat & Classics Ep. 45: Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus,” Book IV

July 9, 2020 by Brian Wilson Leave a Comment

Shilo Brooks returns for Book IV of Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus.” We discuss Cyrus’ attack on the Assyrians, consolidation, cavalry, and Cyrus’ first boyfriend returns (::kiss::kiss::) and the Susan woman.

For more info check out combatandclassics.org. We now have a newsletter, Instagram (@combatandclassics), and twitter (@combat_classics).

PMP#50: MJ’s Last Dance w/ Seth Paskin

July 7, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Brian, Erica, Mark, and Seth from The Partially Examined Life interrogate the 10-part ESPN documentary on Michael Jordan’s Bulls’ six championships.

Was it worth ten hours? Does its time-jumping structure work? Is it really hagiography, or is the vision of ultra-competitiveness repulsive? Why are sports amenable to creating cultural icons? Does the doc’s success mean many more?

For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content for this episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop.

Ep. 247: Aristotle on Rhetoric and Emotions (Part One)

July 6, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 1 Comment

Aristotle

On the Rhetoric (ca. 335 BCE) book 1, ch. 1–6 and book 2, ch. 1–5, 18–24.

What role does persuasion play in philosophy? Aristotle (contra Plato) argues it can and should be used for good: in law courts, political debates, public speeches. He describes the arguments forms used in rhetoric (“enthymemes”) and analyzes the emotions that an audience might have so that speakers know what points are worth dwelling on and how to best argue them.

Don’t wait for part two! Get the unbroken, ad-free Citizen Edition now. Please support PEL!

Get 15% off great wireless earbuds at BuyRaycon.com/pel.

Ep. 247: Aristotle on Rhetoric and Emotions (Citizen Edition)

July 6, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 5 Comments

Aristotle

On the Rhetoric (ca. 335 BCE) book 1, ch. 1–6 and book 2, ch. 1–5, 18–24.

What role does persuasion play in philosophy? Aristotle (contra Plato) argues it can and should be used for good: in law courts, political debates, public speeches. He describes the arguments forms used in rhetoric (“enthymemes”) and analyzes the emotions that an audience might have so that speakers know what points are worth dwelling on and how to best argue them.

End song: “Reason with the Beast” by Shriekback, whose leader Barry Andrews was interviewed on Nakedly Examined Music #107.

Phi Fic #35 12 Stories by James Baldwin

July 4, 2020 by Laura Davis 5 Comments

Join us with Mark Linsenmeyer in a previous discussion on two short stories by James Baldwin: “This Morning, This Evening, So Soon” and “Sonny’s Blues.” Both are included in the collection Going to meet the Man (1965).

Hear more Phi Fic.

NEM#125: Victor DeLorenzo (ex Violent Femmes) Starts with Drums

July 4, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Victor started as a singer/songwriter, drummed with the Femmes for five albums in the ’80s, and has since recorded six solo releases and five more with nine thirteen, plus other collaborations, jazz jamming, and work in the theater.

We discuss “Invisible Shadows” from Tranceaphone (2020), “Carry Me” from Victor DeLorenzo (2013), “Arco, Pizzicato” by Nineteen Thirteen from The Dream (2016), and listen to “Audrey” from Pancake Day (1996). Intro/outro: “World Without Mercy” by Violent Femmes from The Blind Leading the Naked (1985). More at victordelorenzo.weebly.com.

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.

Combat & Classics Ep. 44: The Education of Cyrus, Book III

July 2, 2020 by Brian Wilson Leave a Comment

Shilo Brooks returns for another episode of “The Education of Cyrus” by Xenophon. We discuss moderation, virtue, risk and a brief mention of the ugly boyfriend.

Combat & Classics Ep. 43: Pierre Manent’s “The Metamorphoses of the City”

June 30, 2020 by Brian Wilson Leave a Comment

Dr. Joseph Wood (Institute for World Politics and Cana Academy) joins Brian and Jeff to discuss Pierre Manent’s “The Metamorphoses of the City,” Chapter 2: The Poetic Birth of the City.

We discuss the relationships between war and politics, especially as it relates to The Iliad.

Pretty Much Pop #49: Conspiracy Theories as Pop w/ Al Baker

June 29, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Al works for Logically, a company that fights misinformation. He joins Mark, Erica, and Brian to try to discuss the appeal of conspiracy theories, whether their fandom is like other fandoms, the relation between pernicious and fun theories, and theories that end up true.

We touch on echo chambers, the role of irony and humor in spreading these theories, how both opponents and proponents claim to be skeptics, Dan Brown Novels, Tom Hanks, the Mel Gibson film Conspiracy Theory, and documentaries like Behind the Curve and The Family.

For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear bonus content for this episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop.

Ep. 246: Susan Sontag on Interpreting Art (Part Two)

June 29, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Continuing on Sontag’s essays “On Style” (1965) and “The Death of Tragedy” (1963).

Mark, Wes, Seth and Dylan keep talking about the appropriate distance to retain (or not) to a work of art, which is supposed to be relevant to moral action in the world. We also spell out how this is relevant to our recent episodes on tragedy.

Start with Part One or get the full, ad-free Citizen Edition. Please support PEL!

End song: “Mela” by Julie Slick, as interviewed on Nakedly Examined Music #115.

Combat & Classics Ep. 42: The Education of Cyrus Book II

June 25, 2020 by Brian Wilson Leave a Comment

Shilo Brooks returns to continue our exploration of Xenophon’s “The Education of Cyrus” Book II where Cyrus goes to war against the Assyrians and we try to tease out what fundamentals of warfare Cyrus discovers versus what he’s taught by the Persians.

Ep. 246: Susan Sontag on Interpreting Art (Part One)

June 22, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer 1 Comment

On Sontag’s essays “Against Interpretation” (1964), “On Style” (1965), and “The Death of Tragedy” (1963).

What is it to understand a work of art? Sontag objects to critics’ need to decode art into its “meaning” or “content,” divorcing it from how this content is embodied. She argues that the content vs. form distinction isn’t tenable; that the style of a work is an essential part of experiencing it. Sontag thinks we’re too analytical, too divorced from our instincts, and a direct encounter with art is essential to enliven us.

Don’t wait for part two; get the full, ad-free Citizen Edition now. Please support PEL!

Sponsor: Visit thegreatcoursesplus.com/PEL for a free trial of The Great Courses Plus Video Learning Service.

Ep. 246: Susan Sontag on Interpreting Art (Citizen Edition)

June 22, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

On Sontag’s essays “Against Interpretation” (1964), “On Style” (1965), and “The Death of Tragedy” (1963).

What is it to understand a work of art? Sontag objects to critics’ need to decode or translate literature into it’s “meaning” or “content,” divorcing it in the process from how this content is embodied. She argues that this content vs. form distinction isn’t tenable; that the style of a work is an essential part of experiencing it. Like Nietzsche, Sontag thinks we’re too analytical, too divorced from our instincts, and a direct encounter with art is essential to enliven us.

End song: “Mela” by Julie Slick, as interviewed on Nakedly Examined Music #115.

NEM#124: Alev Lenz’s Tracts of Blood and Sisterhood

June 19, 2020 by Mark Linsenmayer Leave a Comment

Alev started in Germany with her metal band “Alev” in the early ’00s and has released three atmospheric, idea-filled solo albums since 2009 plus several soundtracks and collaborations.

We discuss “The Chair” (and at the end listen to “Cigarettes & Blow”) from 3 (2019), plus the title track from Two-Headed Girl (2016), “Flowers of Love” from Storytelling Piano Playing Fräulein (2009), and “In this Mouth” by Anoushka Shankar feat Alev Lenz from Love Letters (2020). Intro: “Fall Into Me” from the Black Mirror Soundtrack (2016). For more, visit alevlenz.com.

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon.

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PhiFic #34 The Canterbury Tales-Part One

June 19, 2020 by Laura Davis 1 Comment

On selections from the Canterbury Tales by the 14th century English poet Geoffrey Chaucer.  In this Part One of our readings, we discuss the General Prologue, the Miller’s Tale, and the Wife of Bath’s Tale.

Why read Chaucer?  He wrote in a time that felt like it was falling apart and perhaps becoming something completely different.  His world was hardly a static medieval idyll: it was marked by the Black Plague, a crisis of religious authority, and the breakdown of England’s political order.  The Canterbury Tales is essentially an effort to come to terms with that complex reality.

Hear more Phi Fic.

Combat & Classics Ep. 41: Xenophon’s “Education of Cyrus” Book I

June 18, 2020 by Brian Wilson Leave a Comment

Shilo Brooks returns to discuss Book I of Xenophon’s “Education of Cyrus” where we discuss Cyrus’ early upbringing and the nature of government.

Combat & Classics Ep. 40: Thucydides Part II with Andrea Radanasu

June 18, 2020 by Brian Wilson Leave a Comment

Andrea Radasanu of Northern Illinois University returns to discuss the Sicilian Expedition by the Athenian Empire from Thucydides “History of the Peloponnesian War.”

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