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
Mar 6, 2008 • 42min
Ada Lovelace
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the 19th century mathematician Ada Lovelace. Deep in the heart of the Pentagon is a network of computers. They control the US military, the most powerful army on the planet, but they are controlled by a programming language called Ada. It’s named after Ada Lovelace, the allegedly hard drinking 19th century mathematician and daughter of Lord Byron. In her work with Charles Babbage on a steam driven calculating machine called the Difference Engine, Ada understood, perhaps before anyone else, what a computer might truly be. As such the Difference Engine is the spiritual ancestor of the modern computer.Ada Lovelace has been called many things - the first computer programmer and a prophet of the computer age – but most poetically perhaps by Babbage himself as an ‘enchantress of numbers’.With Patricia Fara, Senior Tutor at Clare College, Cambridge; Doron Swade, Visiting Professor in the History of Computing at Portsmouth University; John Fuegi, Visiting Professor in Biography at Kingston University.
10 snips
Feb 28, 2008 • 42min
Lear
Delve into the themes of violence, betrayal, and familial cruelty in Shakespeare's play King Lear, exploring the historical origins of the story and Shakespeare's adaptation style. The chapter discusses the intricate relationships and political ambitions within the play, the roots of the Lear story in old European folktales, Shakespeare's transformation of a happy-ending tale into a tragic masterpiece, and the role of the fool as a truth teller in the narrative.
Feb 21, 2008 • 42min
The Multiverse
Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the concept of the Multiverse, discussing the limitations of the known universe, the inflationary theory, the anthropic principle, and the implications of a multiverse on the laws of nature. They debate the testability of string theory and quantum gravity, emphasizing the speculative nature of the discussion within the realms of physics.
Feb 14, 2008 • 42min
The Statue of Liberty
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to America. They explore its collaborative origins, French influence on American independence, and the evolving meaning of liberty as represented by female figures like the Statue of Liberty.
Feb 7, 2008 • 42min
The Social Contract
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Social Contract, exploring the concept of political authority through a contract with the governed. They delve into Rousseau's views on civil freedom, the general will, and the challenges of forming a common will, contrasting his ideas with thinkers like Hobbes and Locke. The episode also touches on Mary Astell's feminist critique, Rousseau's influence on the American Republic model, and the enduring impact of the social contract concept on modern society.
Jan 31, 2008 • 42min
Rudolph II
Explore the fascinating world of Emperor Rudolph II's court in Prague, filled with wizards, alchemists, and brilliant minds like Kepler and Bruno. Discover his obsession with magic, art, rare treasures, and enigmatic figures who shaped Renaissance ideas. Delve into the mysterious Voynich manuscript, Rudolph's diverse collections, and his patronage of intellectual pursuits challenging societal norms.
Jan 24, 2008 • 42min
Plate Tectonics
Discover how plate tectonics revolutionized geology, explaining continental drift, mountain formation, and fossil puzzles. Experts discuss the forces behind tectonic plate movement, seismic events, and interconnected Earth systems. Explore the link between plate tectonics, evolution, and the potential for life on Earth and beyond.
Jan 17, 2008 • 42min
The Fisher King
Explore the mysterious and powerful Fisher King from medieval legend, a symbol of Christian beliefs, tragedy, and society's decay. Discover his influence on writers from Chretien de Troyes to TS Eliot. Dive into Percival's encounter, Celtic origins in literature, and the myth's connection to psychology and spirituality.
Jan 10, 2008 • 42min
The Charge of the Light Brigade
Historical events expert Melvyn Bragg dives into the iconic Charge of the Light Brigade, a minor skirmish that made a massive impact in British culture. They discuss the debacle's limited military significance but profound influence on war attitudes, censorship in reporting, and the inspiring poetry that emerged. The podcast explores the key figures involved, breakdowns in communication leading to the infamous charge, and the lasting legacy on societal and military reforms.
Jan 3, 2008 • 42min
Camus
The podcast delves into the life of Albert Camus, from his tragic death to his literary legacy and impact on the French Resistance. It explores his friendships, philosophical ideas, and political activism in Algeria. Camus' complex friendship with Sartre, his absurdist themes in 'The Stranger', and his unfinished autobiography are discussed, highlighting his lasting influence as a French writer.
