In Our Time
BBC Radio 4
Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Melvyn Bragg and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world.
History fans can learn about pivotal wars and societal upheavals, such as the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Sack of Rome in 1527, and the political intrigue of the Russian Revolution. Those fascinated by the lives of kings and queens can journey to Versailles to meet Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV the Sun King, or to Ancient Egypt to meet Cleopatra and Nerfertiti. Or perhaps you’re looking to explore the history of religion, from Buddhism’s early teachings to the Protestant Reformation.
If you’re interested in the stories behind iconic works of art, music and literature, dive in to discussions on the artistic genius of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers. From Gothic architecture to the works of Shakespeare, each episode of In Our Time offers new insight into humanity’s cultural achievements.
Those looking to enrich their scientific knowledge can hear episodes on black holes, the Periodic Table, and classical theories of gravity, motion, evolution and relativity. Learn how the discovery of penicillin revolutionised medicine, and how the death of stars can lead to the formation of new planets.
Lovers of philosophy will find episodes on the big issues that define existence, from free will and ethics, to liberty and justice. In what ways did celebrated philosophers such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Karl Marx push forward radical new ideas? How has the concept of karma evolved from the ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism to today? What was Plato’s concept of an ideal republic, and how did he explore this through the legend of the lost city of Atlantis?
In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.
History fans can learn about pivotal wars and societal upheavals, such as the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Sack of Rome in 1527, and the political intrigue of the Russian Revolution. Those fascinated by the lives of kings and queens can journey to Versailles to meet Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV the Sun King, or to Ancient Egypt to meet Cleopatra and Nerfertiti. Or perhaps you’re looking to explore the history of religion, from Buddhism’s early teachings to the Protestant Reformation.
If you’re interested in the stories behind iconic works of art, music and literature, dive in to discussions on the artistic genius of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers. From Gothic architecture to the works of Shakespeare, each episode of In Our Time offers new insight into humanity’s cultural achievements.
Those looking to enrich their scientific knowledge can hear episodes on black holes, the Periodic Table, and classical theories of gravity, motion, evolution and relativity. Learn how the discovery of penicillin revolutionised medicine, and how the death of stars can lead to the formation of new planets.
Lovers of philosophy will find episodes on the big issues that define existence, from free will and ethics, to liberty and justice. In what ways did celebrated philosophers such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Karl Marx push forward radical new ideas? How has the concept of karma evolved from the ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism to today? What was Plato’s concept of an ideal republic, and how did he explore this through the legend of the lost city of Atlantis?
In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 23, 2014 • 42min
Sources of Early Chinese History
Exploring early Chinese history through ancient sources like inscriptions on bones and silk, new discoveries shedding light on the past. Delving into the challenges of interpreting historical records, moral evaluations, and cultural perceptions. Analyzing writing techniques, biases faced by historians, and the importance of history in Chinese culture.
Jan 16, 2014 • 42min
The Battle of Tours
Exploration of the Battle of Tours, where Charles Martel defeated a large Arab army, shaping European history. Discussing Muslim conquests, Franks' rise, Arab invasions motives, and analyzing historical propaganda. Delving into the narratives of the battle from different perspectives and Gibbon's views on its significance.
Jan 2, 2014 • 42min
Plato's Symposium
Join Melvyn Bragg and guests as they explore Plato's Symposium, a dialogue on love featuring Socrates and Aristophanes. Delve into the nature of love, how it arises, and the significance of being in love. Discover the influence of this discussion on later thinkers and the origins of Platonic love.
Dec 26, 2013 • 42min
The Medici
Learn about the Medici family's rise to power in Florence through banking and strategic alliances. Explore their patronage of the arts, political influence, and their significant impact on the Renaissance. Discover the legacy of Lorenzo the Magnificent and the family's political maneuverings to maintain power in Italy.
Dec 19, 2013 • 42min
Complexity
Experts discuss how complexity theory helps us understand collective behavior in various fields like biology and politics. They explore the impact of interactions in systems, from neural networks to epidemics. The podcast highlights the challenges of predicting outcomes in complex systems and the importance of qualitative analysis in understanding human behavior during crises.
Dec 12, 2013 • 42min
Pliny the Younger
Pliny the Younger, a prominent lawyer and governor in Rome, shares insights into ancient society through his prolific letters. Topics include his rise to success, governance challenges in wealthy provinces, political maneuvers, bravery during Vesuvius eruption, and correspondence on Christianity and literary style.
8 snips
Dec 5, 2013 • 42min
Hindu Ideas of Creation
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Hindu ideas about Creation. According to most Western religious traditions, a deity was the original creator of the Universe. Hinduism, on the other hand, has no single creation story. For thousands of years, Hindu thinkers have taken a variety of approaches to the question of where we come from, with some making the case for divine intervention and others asking whether it is even possible for humans to comprehend the nature of creation. The origin of our existence, and the nature of the Universe we live in, is one of the richest strands of Hindu thought.With:Jessica Frazier
Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Kent and a Research Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies at the University of OxfordChakravarthi Ram-Prasad
Professor of Comparative Religion and Philosophy at Lancaster UniversityGavin Flood
Professor of Hindu Studies and Comparative Religion at the University of Oxford.Producer: Thomas Morris.
Nov 28, 2013 • 42min
The Microscope
Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the evolution of the microscope, from Van Leeuwenhoek to modern advancements. They discuss the historical significance of early inventors, limitations of light microscopes, the breakthrough of electron microscopy, and the revolution of super resolution techniques in scientific research.
Nov 21, 2013 • 42min
Pocahontas
Exploring the life of Pocahontas, her interactions with English colonists, conversion to Christianity, and marriage. The chapters discuss the complexities of relationships between English settlers and Native Americans, shedding light on romantic and political intrigues. Pocahontas' significance evolves from historical figure to mythical icon, influencing writers and artists throughout history.
Nov 14, 2013 • 42min
The Tempest
Melvyn Bragg and guests analyze Shakespeare's The Tempest, discussing colonial influences, magical elements, and character complexities such as Caliban. They explore themes of exploration, utopia, and the evolution of the play's cultural impact over centuries.
