David Wootton

Michela Massimi, a Senior Lecturer in the Philosophy of Science, sheds light on Pascal's groundbreaking work in probability theory and geometry. Michael Moriarty, a Drapers Professor of French, discusses Pascal's family background and deep religious convictions. David Wootton, an Anniversary Professor of History, provides context on Pascal's innovative experiments in vacuums and his philosophical insights. Together, they explore the intricate balance between science, faith, and moral thought that defines Pascal’s enduring legacy.

In this engaging discussion, Terence Cave, David Wootton, and Felicity Green explore the life and works of Michel de Montaigne, a Renaissance thinker renowned for his introspective essays. They delve into Montaigne's unique writing style and his skepticism towards knowledge and cultural norms. The guests highlight his influences from figures like Plutarch and Seneca and examine his thoughts on identity, death, and societal progress. They also discuss his preference for pleasure over rigid morals, concluding with a light-hearted note on Montaigne's fondness for wine.

Join distinguished guests Patricia Fara, a historian of science, David Wootton, a historical insights expert, and Judith Zinsser, biographer of Emilie du Châtelet, as they illuminate the life of this groundbreaking 18th-century mathematician and philosopher. They delve into her remarkable translation of Newton's Principia, her dynamic relationship with Voltaire, and her fierce struggle for intellectual recognition in a male-dominated society. The conversation sheds light on her innovative ideas and influential role in shaping the Enlightenment discourse.