

A. C. Grayling
Philosopher and author of 'Among the Dead Cities: Is the Targeting of Civilians in War Ever Justified?'. Founder and head of a new private university, the New College of Humanities.
Top 10 podcasts with A. C. Grayling
Ranked by the Snipd community

24 snips
Aug 10, 2008 • 38min
AC Grayling
A C Grayling is a renowned philosopher, passionate about unraveling the complexities of human existence. He shares how childhood experiences in colonial Zambia sparked his love for philosophy. Grayling emphasizes philosophy's practicality, encouraging lives filled with purpose and meaningful pursuits. He reflects on his artistic ventures, from music to playwriting, and explores the profound connections between art and knowledge. Listeners are treated to his insights on life's brevity, the emotional ties to music, and the importance of continuous learning.

15 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 55min
AC Grayling — How to live well, according to philosophy
A.C. Grayling, a distinguished philosopher and author, discusses profound existential questions that have puzzled humanity for centuries. He emphasizes the importance of self-examination and personal choice in leading a fulfilled life, drawing on Socratic thought. Grayling explores how individual journeys and relationships shape our experiences, advocating for personal responsibility. He introduces the concept of Ubuntu, highlighting our interconnectedness, and delves into existentialism's insights on friendship and compassion, urging listeners to find their own meaning and ethics in life.

14 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
Classic Debate: The Allied bombing of German cities in World War II was unjustifiable
A. C. Grayling, a philosopher and author, raises ethical questions about targeting civilians in war, while Richard Overy evaluates the consequences of strategic bombing during WWII. Antony Beevor and Patrick Bishop counter, arguing that these attacks were vital for achieving Allied victory, despite the devastating toll on civilians. The conversation navigates moral quandaries, the effectiveness of bombing campaigns, and the implications for historical interpretations, prompting listeners to consider the balance between military strategy and humanitarian concerns.

11 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 23min
Classic: Tom Holland vs AC Grayling: Did Christianity Shape Western Values?
In a lively debate, award-winning historian Tom Holland argues that Christianity has profoundly shaped Western values, while philosopher A.C. Grayling counters that classical philosophy is the real bedrock. They delve into the radical transformation brought by the cross, the role of Paul in redefining dignity and equality, and how both Christianity and Enlightenment thinkers influenced modern ethics. Tensions rise as they discuss the preservation of classical texts and whether humanism springs from Christian roots or Greek ideas.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 15min
Trade war deepens as China raises tariffs
Trita Parsi shares insights on the tumultuous U.S.-Iranian relations and the fallout from the Iran nuclear deal. Lizzie C. Lee discusses the escalating trade war, emphasizing China's strategies amid economic tensions. Les Danielson reflects on how tariffs are squeezing American farmers, while A.C. Grayling tackles the intricacies of cancel culture and the current culture wars. Lastly, Jonathan Roberts reveals the fascinating details of a human-robot half marathon, exploring the future of robotics in society.

Feb 8, 2019 • 0sec
William Lane Craig vs A.C. Grayling: The Problem of Evil & the Existence of God
A.C. Grayling, a renowned philosopher and writer, engages in a riveting discussion with William Lane Craig about the nature of the Problem of Evil and the existence of God. They tackle the philosophical complexities of suffering and its implications for belief in a benevolent deity. Grayling argues how free will interacts with divine omnipotence, while Craig proposes that human suffering may serve a greater purpose. Their debate navigates the thorny intersection of faith, morality, and rationality, challenging listeners to reconsider their views on good and evil.

Feb 19, 2023 • 1h 5min
The Sunday Debate: Atheism is the New Fundamentalism
In a lively debate featuring Richard Harries, former Bishop of Oxford, and Charles Moore, former editor of the Daily Telegraph, the panel tackles whether atheism has become the new fundamentalism. Richard Dawkins, renowned evolutionary biologist, and philosopher A.C. Grayling offer compelling counterarguments. They discuss the complexities of belief, the dynamic post-9/11 landscape, and the need for secularism in governance. Humor and deep insights emerge as they explore the emotional depth of atheism and challenge misconceptions about faith.

Nov 19, 2025 • 50min
A.C. Grayling — Saving Democracy
A.C. Grayling, a philosopher and founder of the New College of the Humanities, delves into the pressing threats to democracy in his discussion. He outlines the dangers of rising authoritarianism and the erosion of effective governance due to partisan politics. Grayling emphasizes true democracy as consent-based governance and critiques the disempowerment of MPs by party discipline. He also examines the impact of multinational corporations on democratic values and warns against the allure of authoritarian simplicity. To engage citizens, he advocates for reforms like compulsory voting.

Apr 20, 2025 • 37min
AC Grayling and making peace in the culture wars
A.C. Grayling, a renowned philosopher and author known for his works on ethics and human rights, dives into his latest book, which tackles discrimination as a fundamental human rights issue. He shares personal insights from his upbringing in Africa, highlighting early awareness of racial inequality. Grayling also discusses founding New College of the Humanities to blend humanities with professional skills. He defines 'woke' as a noble movement rooted in civil rights and emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance in the culture wars and human rights advocacy.

Dec 5, 2021 • 1h 1min
The Sunday Debate: Assisted Dying Should Be Legalised
A. C. Grayling, a prominent philosopher and author, joins neurosurgeon Henry Marsh, who shares his personal battle with cancer, novelist Anne Atkins, and palliative care expert Katherine Sleeman for a thought-provoking discussion. They explore the ethical complexities of legalizing assisted dying, emphasizing autonomy and dignity against the backdrop of potential societal implications. Personal narratives enhance the dialogue, as they tackle the balance between the right to die and protecting vulnerable individuals, questioning legal safeguards and the moral responsibilities of medical professionals.


