Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the history of logic. Logic, the study of reasoning and argument, first became a serious area of study in the 4th century BC through the work of Aristotle. He created a formal logical system, based on a type of argument called a syllogism, which remained in use for over two thousand years. In the nineteenth century the German philosopher and mathematician Gottlob Frege revolutionised logic, turning it into a discipline much like mathematics and capable of dealing with expressing and analysing nuanced arguments. His discoveries influenced the greatest mathematicians and philosophers of the twentieth century and considerably aided the development of the electronic computer. Today logic is a subtle system with applications in fields as diverse as mathematics, philosophy, linguistics and artificial intelligence.With:A.C. GraylingProfessor of Philosophy at Birkbeck, University of LondonPeter MillicanGilbert Ryle Fellow in Philosophy at Hertford College at the University of OxfordRosanna KeefeSenior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Sheffield.Producer: Thomas Morris.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the artistic movement known as Sturm und Drang.In the 1770s a small group of German writers started to produce plays, poetry and novels which were radically different from what had gone before. These writers were all young men, and they rejected the values of the Enlightenment, which they felt had robbed art of its spontaneity and feeling. Their work was passionate, ignored existing conventions and privileged the individual's free will above the constraints of society.The most prominent member of the movement was Johann von Goethe, whose novel The Sorrows of Young Werther became its most notable success, translated into more then thirty languages. Despite this and other successes including Schiller's play The Robbers, the Sturm und Drang disappeared almost as quickly as it had emerged; by the mid-1780s it was already a thing of the past.With:Tim BlanningEmeritus Professor of Modern European History at Cambridge UniversitySusanne KordProfessor of German at University College, LondonMaike Oergel Associate Professor of German at the University of NottinghamProducer: Thomas Morris.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Spanish Armada. On May 28th, 1588, a fleet of a hundred and fifty-one Spanish ships set out from Lisbon, bound for England. Its mission was to transport a huge invasion force across the Channel: the Spanish King, Philip II, was determined to remove Elizabeth from the throne and return the English to the Catholic fold. Two months later the mighty Spanish Armada was sighted off the coast of Cornwall. Bad weather, poor planning and spirited English resistance defeated the Spaniards: after a brief battle the remnants of their fleet fled. This tale of religious dispute, shifting political alliance and naval supremacy has entered our folklore - although some historians argue it changed nothing.With:Diane PurkissFellow and Tutor at Keble College, OxfordMia Rodriguez-SalgadoProfessor in International History at the London School of EconomicsNicholas RodgerSenior Research Fellow at All Souls College at the University of OxfordProducer: Thomas Morris.

Explore the mystical world of the Delphic Oracle in ancient Greece, where travelers sought prophecies from the priestess Pythia. Learn about the influence of Apollo, the enigmatic predictions, and the manipulation of oracles. Discover the decline of the Oracle and its legacy in decision-making.

Explore the controversial origins and essential role of imaginary numbers in modern technology. Learn about their evolution from being dismissed as fictitious to becoming vital tools in solving complex equations. Delve into the historical development of mathematics in Bologna and Northern Italy, highlighting breakthroughs in accepting imaginary numbers. Discover how Gauss's work revolutionized modern mathematics and explore the practical applications of imaginary numbers in technology and problem-solving.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Pliny's Natural History, a Roman scholar's extensive reference work covering zoology, astronomy, and more. The podcast explores the legacy of Pliny the Elder, his dedication to knowledge, and the unique practical approach in 'Natural History', emphasizing practical information over conclusions. Pliny's complex relationship with sources is highlighted, along with the enduring influence of his work on medieval scholars and later centuries.

Discover the remarkable reign of King Athelstan, who unified England, defeated the Scots, and revolutionized crime laws. Learn about his military prowess, legal reforms, diplomatic alliances, and unique portrayal in history. Explore his strategic battles, royal marriage prospects, and the enduring legacy of his rule on church and state dynamics.

Explore the harsh history and tragic expeditions of Antarctica, from early explorations to the Antarctic Treaty. Discover the geological evolution of the continent and its impact on global climate. Dive into the expeditions to the South Pole, scientific achievements, and advancements in Antarctic science with satellite technology.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Neanderthals.In 1856, quarry workers in Germany found bones in a cave which seemed to belong to a bear or other large mammal. They were later identified as being from a previously unknown species of hominid similar to a human. The specimen was named Homo neanderthalis after the valley in which the bones were found.This was the first identified remains of a Neanderthal, a species which inhabited parts of Europe and Central Asia from around 400,000 years ago. Often depicted as little more advanced than apes, Neanderthals were in fact sophisticated, highly-evolved hunters capable of making tools and even jewellery.Scholarship has established much about how and where the Neanderthals lived - but the reasons for their disappearance from the planet around 28,000 years ago remain unclear.With: Simon Conway MorrisProfessor of Evolutionary Palaeobiology at the University of CambridgeChris Stringer Research Leader in Human Origins at the Natural History Museum and Visiting Professor at Royal Holloway, University of LondonDanielle SchreveReader in Physical Geography at Royal Holloway, University of LondonProducer: Thomas Morris.

Eighteenth-century philosopher and politician Edmund Burke's work and influence are discussed, from his defense of American colonists to his critique of the French Revolution. The podcast explores Burke's upbringing, early publications, philosophical insights, and political journey, highlighting his views on democracy, imperialism, and tradition. His impact on British politics and global thinking is examined, showcasing his lasting legacy.