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
May 2, 2013 • 42min
Gnosticism
Explore the ancient Gnostic beliefs of transcending the physical world through inner knowledge. Learn about the rise of diverse Gnostic movements in the Roman Empire and their unique salvation concept. Discover the challenges faced by Gnostics within the institutional church and the profound impact of the discovery of ancient Gnostic texts in 1945. Delve into the intricate teachings of Valentinus and the Gnostic Sophia myth, reshaping perspectives on early Christianity.
Apr 25, 2013 • 42min
Montaigne
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.
Apr 18, 2013 • 42min
The Putney Debates
Discover the intense debates surrounding the Putney Debates during the English Civil War, where topics such as voting rights, civil liberties, and religious freedom were passionately discussed. Delve into the influence of religion on conflicts throughout history and the rise of radical ideas within the New Model Army. Learn about the emergence of the Levellers and their push for democratic accountability, as well as the impact of the Putney Debates on shaping political thought for centuries.
Apr 11, 2013 • 42min
The Amazons
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Amazons, a tribe of formidable female warriors first described in Greek literature. They appear in the Homeric epics and were described by Herodotus, and featured prominently in the decoration of Greek vases and public buildings. In later centuries, particularly in the Renaissance, the Amazons became a popular theme of literature and art. After the discovery of the New World, the largest river in South America was named the Amazon, since the warlike tribes inhabiting the river's margins reminded Spanish pioneers of the warriors of classical myth.With:Paul Cartledge
A.G. Leventis Professor of Greek Culture at Cambridge UniversityChiara Franceschini
Teaching Fellow at University College London and an Academic Assistant at the Warburg InstituteCaroline Vout
University Senior Lecturer in Classics and Fellow and Director of Studies at Christ's College, Cambridge.Producer: Thomas Morris.
Apr 4, 2013 • 42min
Japan's Sakoku Period
Discover Japan's Sakoku period, an era of isolation from the Western world for two centuries. Learn about the restrictions on Japanese citizens, expulsion of Europeans, and Dutch traders' unique status. Explore Japan's interaction with European ideas, the end of isolation due to American Commodore Perry, and Japan's historical transformation.
Mar 28, 2013 • 39min
Water
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss one of the simplest and most remarkable of all molecules: water. Water is among the most abundant substances on Earth, covering more than two-thirds of the planet. Consisting of just three atoms, the water molecule is superficially simple in its structure but extraordinary in its properties. It is a rare example of a substance that can be found on Earth in gaseous, liquid and solid forms, and thanks to its unique chemical behaviour is the basis of all known life. Scientists are still discovering new things about it, such as the fact that there are at least fifteen different forms of ice.Hasok Chang
Hans Rausing Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of CambridgeAndrea Sella
Professor of Chemistry at University College LondonPatricia Hunt
Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at Imperial College London.Producer: Thomas Morris.
Mar 21, 2013 • 42min
Alfred Russel Wallace
Explore the life and impact of Alfred Russel Wallace, a pioneer of evolutionary theory who formulated the theory of evolution through natural selection. Delve into his adventurous journeys to the Amazon and Malay Archipelago, his literary merit, and challenges to theological arguments. Learn about his parallel paths with Darwin in developing the theory of natural selection and his significant contributions to evolutionary biology.
Mar 14, 2013 • 42min
Chekhov
Join Melvyn Bragg and guests as they delve into Anton Chekhov's life and literary works with Professor Catriona Kelly. Explore Chekhov's unique storytelling style, societal influences, and his portrayal of characters amidst changing Russian society. Discover the intricacies of Chekhov's 'The Lady with the Little Dog' and his impact on the world of theater. Uncover Chekhov's deep connection to medicine, estates, and his profound reflections on life's fleeting beauty.
Mar 7, 2013 • 42min
Absolute Zero
Explore the quest to reach absolute zero temperature, from ancient Greek views to modern research. Discover Guillem Amonton's contributions, Michael Faraday's experiments, and the rivalry in the race to absolute zero. Learn about superfluids, quantum mechanics, and achieving temperatures below absolute zero in recent research.
Feb 28, 2013 • 42min
Pitt-Rivers
Discover the fascinating life and work of Augustus Pitt-Rivers, a Victorian anthropologist and archaeologist who believed in the evolution of human technology. Explore his meticulous excavation records, the unique artifacts at the Pitt Rivers Museum, and his lasting impact on archaeology and anthropology.
