Melvyn Bragg and guests explore Ordinary Language Philosophy, a movement rooted in Wittgenstein's ideas. They discuss linguistic analysis to solve philosophical issues, the influence on 20th-century British thinkers like Gilbert Ryle, and the shift towards everyday language scrutiny. The podcast delves into the transition from logical positivism, moral implications of language nuances, and contrasting philosophical perspectives at Oxford.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Berlin Conference of 1884. In the 1880s, as colonial powers attempted to increase their spheres of influence in Africa, tensions began to grow between European nations including Britain, Belgium and France. In 1884 the German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, brought together many of Europe's leading statesmen to discuss trade and colonial activities in Africa. Although the original purpose of the summit was to settle the question of territorial rights in West Africa, negotiations eventually dealt with the entire continent. The conference was part of the process known as the Scramble for Africa, and the decisions reached at it had effects which have lasted to the present day. The conference is commonly seen as one of the most significant events of the so-called Scramble for Africa; in the following decades, European nations laid claim to most of the continent.With:Richard Drayton Rhodes Professor of Imperial History at King's College LondonRichard Rathbone Emeritus Professor of African History at SOAS, University of LondonJoanna Lewis Assistant Professor of Imperial History at the LSE, University of London.Producer: Thomas Morris.

Learn about the historical impact of the controversial Corn Laws in Britain, the formation of the Anti-Corn Law League, the clash between industry and agriculture ideologies, and Sir Robert Peel's political dilemma in repealing the laws, shaping the future of British politics and economics.

Melvyn Bragg and guests dive into the history and impact of the controversial Book of Common Prayer, tracing its roots in the English Reformation, its role in religious conflicts and civil war, and its enduring significance in liturgy and literature. The discussion explores the political intrigues surrounding its creation, Queen Elizabeth I's strategic use of it, the split of 1662, and the legacy of Protestant dissenting groups. The episode also highlights the accessibility and inclusivity facilitated by the Book of Common Prayer in choral evensong services.

Explore the life and contributions of Galen, the renowned Roman physician. From his upbringing in Pergamum to his innovative medical methodologies, Galen's influence on ancient medicine is unraveled. Discover his role as a physician to gladiators and the emperor, his pioneering brain experiments, and lasting impact on medical practices through the ages.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss exoplanets. Astronomers have speculated about the existence of planets beyond our solar system for centuries. Although strenuous efforts were made to find such planets orbiting distant stars, it was not until the 1990s that instruments became sophisticated enough to detect such remote objects. In 1992 Dale Frail and Aleksander Wolszczan discovered the first confirmed exoplanets: two planets orbiting the pulsar PSR B1257+12. Since then, astronomers have discovered more than 900 exoplanets, and are able to reach increasingly sophisticated conclusions about what they look like - and whether they might be able to support life. Recent data from experiments such as NASA's space telescope Kepler indicates that such planets may be far more common than previously suspected.With:Carolin Crawford Gresham Professor of Astronomy and a member of the Institute of Astronomy at the University of CambridgeDon Pollacco Professor of Astronomy at the University of WarwickSuzanne Aigrain Lecturer in Astrophysics at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of All Souls College.Producer: Thomas Morris.

Explore the rise of the Mamluks from slave soldiers to powerful rulers, their unique administrative structure and military prowess. Learn about a female ruler who married a Mamluk Sultan for legitimacy, their patronage of art and architecture, and the role of Ola Dernas as intermediaries. Discover the Mamluks' religious commitment, resilience against threats, and eventual downfall under Ottoman control. Delve into their lasting legacy in Cairo's architecture and literature.

This podcast delves into the life and legacy of Blaise Pascal, a brilliant mathematician and scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries in mathematics and physics. It explores his religious conversion and profound contributions to probability theory, decision theory, and Christian philosophy. Pascal's innovative inventions, including the Pascaline calculator and barometer, showcase his multifaceted genius and enduring influence across different fields.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the invention of radio. In the early 1860s the Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell derived four equations which together describe the behaviour of electricity and magnetism. They predicted the existence of a previously unknown phenomenon: electromagnetic waves. These waves were first observed in the early 1880s, and over the next two decades a succession of scientists and engineers built increasingly elaborate devices to produce and detect them. Eventually this gave birth to a new technology: radio. The Italian Guglielmo Marconi is commonly described as the father of radio - but many other figures were involved in its development, and it was not him but a Canadian, Reginald Fessenden, who first succeeded in transmitting speech over the airwaves.With:Simon Schaffer Professor of the History of Science at the University of CambridgeElizabeth Bruton Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of LeedsJohn Liffen Curator of Communications at the Science Museum, LondonProducer: Thomas Morris.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, widely regarded as one of the greatest works of Chinese literature. Written 600 years ago, it is an historical novel that tells the story of a tumultuous period in Chinese history, the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Partly historical and partly legend, it recounts the fighting and scheming of the feudal lords and the three states which came to power as the Han Dynasty collapsed. The influence of Romance of the Three Kingdoms in East Asia has been likened to that of Homer in the West, and this warfare epic remains popular in China today.With:Frances Wood Former Lead Curator of Chinese Collections at the British LibraryCraig Clunas Professor of the History of Art at the University of OxfordMargaret Hillenbrand University Lecturer in Modern Chinese Literature at the University of Oxford and Fellow of Wadham CollegeProducer: Victoria Brignell.