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 27, 2007 • 42min
The Nicene Creed
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the historical significance of the Nicene Creed, focusing on its role in solidifying the divinity of Jesus Christ. They explore the theological debates within early Christianity, the conflict with Arianism, the intervention of Emperor Constantine, and the evolution of the Creed over time.
Dec 20, 2007 • 42min
The Four Humours
Explore the intriguing history of the Four Humours, from ancient beliefs shaping health to bloodletting's placebo effect. Learn how Galen and Vesalius influenced medical theories, and how humours impacted diet, literature, and urine diagnosis. Discover the transition from traditional to mechanistic views, and the evolution of medical practices over the centuries.
Dec 13, 2007 • 42min
The Sassanid Empire
Delving into the Sassanid Empire's rivalry with Rome, iconic rock carvings depicting defeat of Roman Emperors, trade routes from Constantinople to Beijing, impact on Persian identity, culture, literature, and its role in late antiquity geopolitical landscape.
Dec 6, 2007 • 42min
Genetic Mutation
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the world of genetic mutation, highlighting its role in shaping evolution, disease, and genetic diversity. They explore how mutations are both creators and destroyers of life, discussing their impact on genetic variation, species preservation, and adaptation. The conversation touches on the mechanisms of DNA damage, recombination, and repair, emphasizing the balance between DNA fidelity and mutation rates. They also discuss the significance of 'junk DNA' in genetics, groundbreaking research in genetic studies, and the potential of artificial gene mutation for creating novel organisms.
Nov 29, 2007 • 42min
The Fibonacci Sequence
Melvyn Bragg discusses the Fibonacci Sequence with guests, exploring its links to natural structures and the Golden Ratio. They delve into its historical origins, mathematical properties, and presence in art and architecture. The conversation highlights the sequence's influence on nature, design, and aesthetics, making for an engaging exploration of mathematics and beauty.
Nov 22, 2007 • 42min
The Prelude
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into William Wordsworth's masterpiece 'The Prelude', discussing themes of memory, nature, and experience in language of aching beauty. They explore Wordsworth's journey, his poetic influences, emotional exchanges with Coleridge, and the evolution of his work in the Victorian era.
Nov 15, 2007 • 42min
Oxygen
Discover the rivalry between British and French chemists over the discovery of oxygen, leading to a scientific controversy. Learn about the significance of Chemistry in the 18th century and its impact on various fields. Explore the transition of Joseph Priestley from a preacher to a natural philosopher and the revolutionary interplay of knowledge, politics, and religion.
Nov 8, 2007 • 42min
Avicenna
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Avicenna, a Persian Islamic philosopher known for proving the existence of god, blending medical knowledge into a book, and establishing mind-body dualism. They explore Avicenna's early accomplishments, the Flying Man argument, his Canon of Medicine, his influence on medieval philosophy, and his enduring impact on both Islamic and Western academia.
Nov 1, 2007 • 42min
Guilt
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the complex nature of guilt, exploring its role in morality, psychology, and law. They discuss the distinction between shame and guilt, Kant's perspective on duty and morality, and Nietzsche's critique of Christian morality. The conversation also touches on the origins and impact of guilt, highlighting its deep roots in Christian ethics and its evolution in society.
Oct 25, 2007 • 42min
Taste
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the 18th-century obsession with taste, reflecting on the societal impact of aesthetics in fashion, architecture, and art. They explore the evolution of taste from philosophical roots to social judgments, the role of taste in shaping social hierarchies in the British Empire, and its portrayal in British literature like Jane Austen's novels.
