Examined Life (2008)

Examined Life, a 2008 Canadian documentary directed by Astra Taylor, takes philosophy out of the ivory towers and academic journals, placing it squarely on the bustling streets. The film accompanies influential modern thinkers on unique excursions through urban landscapes, where they discuss the practical application of their ideas in contemporary culture.

Here are the highlights of this thought-provoking documentary:

1. Barcelona: The film begins with a visit to Barcelona, Spain, where we explore the city’s rich cultural heritage. Filmmaker Astra Taylor captures the whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudí, juxtaposing it against the vibrant street life.
2. Santiago de Compostela: This medieval city in northwestern Spain serves as the final stop on the ancient pilgrimage route called Camino de Santiago. We delve into centuries-old architecture, including the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, said to house the remains of Saint James the apostle.
3. Segovia: Just northwest of Madrid lies the romantic city of Segovia. Here, we encounter the two-tiered Aqueduct of Segovia, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman aqueducts, and the fairy-tale fortress Alcázar De Segovia.
4. New York City: The heart of the film is set in New York, where influential philosophers engage in dialogues against the backdrop of Fifth Avenue’s luxury boutiques. Peter Singer discusses the ethics of consumption, while Michael Hardt ponders revolution amidst symbols of wealth.
5. San Francisco: Judith Butler and a friend stroll through San Francisco’s Mission District, questioning our culture’s fixation on individualism. The cityscape becomes a canvas for philosophical exploration.
6. Manhattan: Cornel West, America’s renowned public intellectual, compares philosophy to jazz and blues while driving through Manhattan. His words remind us of the intensity and invigoration that a life of the mind can bring.

Examined Life offers privileged moments with great thinkers, from moral philosophy to cultural theory. It reveals philosophy’s power to transform our perception of the world and our place within it. As Cornel West aptly puts it, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” This documentary invites us to examine, question, and engage with the world around us, right where we stand.