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
Dec 4, 2008 • 42min
Heat
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history of scientific ideas about heat. As anyone who’s ever burnt their hand will testify – heat is a pretty commonplace concept. Cups of coffee cool down, microwaves reheat them, water boils at 100 degrees and freezes on cold winter nights.Behind the everyday experience of hot things lies a complex story of ideas spread across Paris, Manchester and particularly Glasgow. It’s a story of brewing vats and steam engines, of fridges, thermometers and the heat death of the universe. But most importantly, it was the understanding and harnessing of heat that helped make the modern world of industry, engineering and technology.With Simon Schaffer, Professor of History of Science at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of Darwin College; Hasok Chang, Professor of Philosophy of Science at University College London and Joanna Haigh, Professor of Atmospheric Physics at Imperial College London
Nov 27, 2008 • 42min
The Great Reform Act
Melvyn Bragg discusses the Great Reform Act of 1832, exploring the political landscape, disparities in parliamentary representation, resistance to reform, and the push for change. The Act transformed British politics, extending the vote and empowering industrial cities for the first time. The episode highlights class alliances, the birth of Chartism, and the impact of the Reform Acts of 1832 and 1867 on British democracy.
Nov 13, 2008 • 42min
Neuroscience
Explore the evolution of neuroscience, from studying the dead brain to using imaging tech, revealing new insights into the human mind. Delve into the triune brain model and the consciousness-brain connection. Learn about brain imaging in auditory hallucinations and memory functions, and the intricacies of brain surgery for epilepsy evaluation.
17 snips
Nov 11, 2008 • 42min
The Fire of London
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss The Great Fire of London which destroyed up to a third of the city in 1666. Samuel Pepys described the scene in his diary:“all over the Thames, with one's face in the wind, you were almost burned with a shower of firedrops…and in corners and upon steeples, and between churches and houses, as far as we could see up the hill of the City, we saw the fire …It made me weep to see it.”The London that rose from the ashes was a visible manifestation of ideas; of the politics, religion, economics and science of the heady Restoration period. Christopher Wren, of course, but also Robert Hooke, The Royal Society, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Restoration court of Charles II and, inevitably, building regulations. With Lisa Jardine, Centenary Professor of Renaissance Studies at Queen Mary, University of London; Vanessa Harding, Reader in London History at Birkbeck, University of London and Jonathan Sawday, Professor of English Studies at the University of Strathclyde
Nov 6, 2008 • 42min
Aristotle's Politics
Explore Aristotle's 'Politics' as he delves into the role of wealth in governing societies, contrasting with Plato's idealism. Discover Aristotle's vision of active citizenship and political virtue, challenging the notion of mere obedience to laws. Uncover the historical influences on Aristotle's political theories and his pragmatic approach to creating an ideal society through communal institutions.
8 snips
Oct 30, 2008 • 42min
Bolivar
Explore the life and adventures of Simon Bolivar, a revolutionary liberator of Spanish America. From his Enlightenment-inspired ideas to leading armies across the Andes, his journey is filled with intrigue and unexpected turns. Discover the impact of Napoleon, the role of Britain, and Bolivar's transformation into a national hero after death.
Oct 23, 2008 • 42min
The Baroque Movement
Delve into the dynamic and theatrical world of the Baroque Movement in art, music, and architecture. Explore the religious and aesthetic significance of the period, from the sumptuous sculptures to the nationalization of creative arts. Uncover the complexities and contradictions of the Baroque style, from its roots in Catholicism to its influence on European monarchs and the enduring debates on its classification.
Oct 16, 2008 • 42min
Vitalism
Discover the historical debate on Vitalism, exploring the role of electricity in defining life. From Frankenstein's experiment to debates on vital auras in human embryology, witness the quest to unlock the secret of life itself. Delve into contrasting views of vitalism in 19th-century France and the ongoing debate with DNA discovery.
Oct 9, 2008 • 42min
Godel's Incompleteness Theorems
Explore the impact of Gödel's Incompleteness Theorems on mathematics as it unravels the limitations of self-consistent systems, challenges Hilbert's vision, and introduces the concept of unprovable statements. Delve into the paradox of sets, the role of axioms, and the evolution of mathematical structures through the lens of ancient principles and non-Euclidean geometries.
Oct 2, 2008 • 42min
The Translation Movement
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Translation Movement in Arabic, sparked by Caliph Al-Mamun's dream of Aristotle. They delve into the mass translations of Greek ideas into Arabic, introducing Islamic world to philosophy, medicine, engineering, and maths. The episode explores challenges in translating Greek philosophy to Arabic, intellectual salon culture in Baghdad, rise of libraries, and impact on medicine, philosophy, and mathematics.
