In Our Time

Anil Gomes, a Fellow in Philosophy at Trinity College, and Sophie Grace Chappell, a Professor at the Open University, dive into the life and legacy of Philippa Foot, a trailblazer in virtue ethics. They discuss her pivotal question, 'Why be moral?' and how she challenged the subjectivity of morals, particularly in light of historical atrocities. The conversation touches on her influential concepts, such as the Trolley Problem, and the vital role virtues play in human flourishing. Their insights unveil the intricate dance between ethics, personal experience, and philosophical inquiry.

Brian Cummings, a distinguished English professor, Susan Brigden, an Oxford historian, and Laura Ashe, a literature scholar, dive into the life of Sir Thomas Wyatt, a pivotal poet of the Tudor era. They discuss Wyatt's role in introducing Italian Renaissance poetry to England and his intricate ties to Anne Boleyn. The conversation explores themes of love and betrayal in poems like 'They Flee From Me,' shedding light on his experiences in Henry VIII's court and the political upheaval that shaped his work, emphasizing his lasting influence on English literature.

Join experts Emma Bunce, David Rothery, and Carolin Crawford as they unravel the mysteries of Mercury, the innermost planet. Emma discusses Mercury's complex magnetosphere and the challenges of studying its geology. David dives into its volcanic past and unique surface features, while Carolin highlights its unusual orbit and rotation. Together, they shed light on the BepiColombo mission, aiming to unveil more secrets of this elusive planet. Their insights showcase Mercury's pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the solar system.

Laura Bradley, a Professor of German and Theatre, David Barnett, a Professor of Theatre, and Tom Kuhn, a Professor of Twentieth Century German Literature, dive into the revolutionary world of Bertolt Brecht. They discuss Brecht's aim to provoke critical thinking through theatre, his innovative works like The Threepenny Opera, and the evolution of his style during exile. The trio highlights Brecht's unique techniques that engaged audiences politically and socially, along with his lasting influence on modern theatre and the complexities of his legacy.

Michael Rowe, a Reader in European History, delves into Napoleon's post-exile power play. Katherine Astbury, a Professor of French Studies, highlights the complex political sentiments fueling his brief resurgence. Zack White, an Early Career Research Fellow, sheds light on military strategies that led to Napoleon’s decisive but ultimately futile campaign. They discuss the charisma behind his comeback, the intricate dynamics of coalition warfare, and how missteps at Waterloo sealed his fate, all while pondering the enduring legacy of his ambition.

Joining the discussion are Paul Cartledge, an expert in ancient Greek history, Sarah Miles, who specializes in Greek literature, and James Robson, a scholar in ancient Greek comedy. They explore the bold premise of Aristophanes' 'Lysistrata,' where women enact a sex strike to end the Peloponnesian War. The guests unpack themes of gender dynamics, satirical humor, and the real societal concerns woven into comedy. They also discuss how the play reflects Athenian power structures while offering a critique of traditional gender roles, revealing its relevance even today.

Simon Schaffer, an expert from Cambridge, Jill Jonnes, historian and author of "Empires of Light," and Iwan Morus, a history professor, dive into the intriguing world of Nikola Tesla. They explore Tesla's rise from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to America, where he revolutionized electrical systems and pioneered alternating current. The discussion reveals the debunking of the Edison-Tesla rivalry, highlighting Tesla's genius and eccentricities, and how his showmanship contributed to his legacy as a misunderstood innovator.

Riitta Valijärvi, an expert on Finnish language and culture, Thomas Dubois, a scholar of Scandinavian folklore, and Daniel Abondolo, a comparative epic poetry specialist, explore the impact of The Kalevala. They discuss how Elias Lönnrot’s compilation gave Finns a distinct national identity. The conversation delves into Finnish myths, the Sampo’s significance, and the epic's ties to modern cultural expressions. They also examine the linguistic uniqueness of Finnish poetry and the emotional depth within its narratives, reflecting on its lasting influence.

Join experts James Corke-Webster, a Classicist, and Lea Niccolai, a scholar in Christianity and philosophy, as they delve into the life of Julian the Apostate, the last pagan Roman emperor. They discuss Julian's audacious attempts to revive paganism in a predominantly Christian empire and his philosophical evolution influenced by Neoplatonism. The conversation highlights his military exploits, his satirical writings, and the lasting legacy of his complex reign amid ideological battles that shaped the Roman world.

Join Susan Jones, an Emeritus Professor of English Literature, Derek B. Scott, a music expert, and Theresa Buckland, a dance historian, as they explore the enchanting world of the waltz. They delve into its revolutionary impact on 19th-century Britain, the intimate connections it fostered among dancers, and its influence on literature and music. The discussion highlights the waltz's sensuality, social dynamics in ballroom culture, and how the captivating showmanship of Johann Strauss transformed musical performances, all while reflecting societal norms and identities.