Is the academy and our culture as a whole in need of newer, bigger ideas?Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesIn the first half of the twentieth century radical thinkers, from Einstein to Schrödinger, Russell to Wittgenstein, Woolf to de Beauvoir, were transforming ideas. But many wonder where the equivalents are today and point to a deep seated flaw. Universities and research labs have become increasingly specialised and focus on small 'piecemeal advance' leaving little room for originality and big thinking. Studies confirm a bias against publishing novel research and 90% of papers remain uncited, possibly unread by anyone.Should we encourage a less specialised and broader approach to create the breakthroughs and radical ideas of the future? Do we need to change the way university appointments are made and articles reviewed to escape conventional set thinking? Or have the big theories largely been found already and have we now only to fill in the gaps?There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=the-new-renaissanceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sophie Scott-Brown, a research fellow at the University of St. Andrews and author of 'Colin Ward and the Art of Everyday Anarchy,' dives into the depths of anarchism as a political philosophy. She dismantles misconceptions of chaos, advocating for its principles of radical democracy and community-oriented governance. The discussion navigates human nature, the paradox of individual freedom intertwined with social responsibility, and the historical prevalence of anarchist societies. Scott-Brown champions collaborative solutions in today's uncertain political landscape.

Ursula Le Guin's philosophical fiction, "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," is discussed by guests including Una McCormack, Naomi Alderman, Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, Kevan Manwaring, and Sophie Scott-Brown. They explore Le Guin's writing career, thought experiments, and NK Jemisin's response to Omelas. Topics include themes of colonialism, exploitation, utilitarianism, the city of Ummhalat, breaking the fourth wall in Le Guin's writing, and upcoming books by Alderman and Jikiemi-Pearson.

Elizabeth Oldfield, a former director of Theos and host of The Sacred, joins Rhodri Davies, a philanthropy expert, Gerald Moore, a philosophy professor, and Sophie Scott Brown, a historian and philosopher. They dive into the complexities of gift-giving, discussing reciprocity's role in society and the emotional significance behind gifts. The conversation spans philanthropy's ethical dilemmas, the impact of gratitude in contemporary capitalism, and the historical context of charitable acts, all while critiquing the colonial legacies of Thanksgiving.

Sophie Scott-Brown, a scholar from the University of St. Andrews, delves into the evolution of European political thought and the complexities of anarchism. She questions the relevance of 'left-wing' and 'right-wing' labels in today's society while exploring the themes of liberty and communal living in anarchist ideology. The discussion also critiques Steven Pinker's views on progress, linking them to ongoing global conflicts, and emphasizes the need for diverse historical perspectives to address contemporary issues like economic inequality.