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
Feb 1, 2007 • 28min
Genghis Khan
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Genghis Khan, from his humble beginnings to creating the largest land-based empire. They explore his military tactics, ability to unite diverse peoples, and ruthless conquests. The episode covers his early life, military engagements, empire building, and legacy of uniting cultures. Genghis Khan's strategic thinking, discipline in warfare, and brutal tactics are highlighted, shedding light on his impressive legacy in history.
Jan 25, 2007 • 42min
Archimedes
Delving into the life of Archimedes, the Greek mathematician known for shouting 'Eureka!' His innovations in pulleys and levers led to formidable weapons, while his true love remained pure mathematics. Learn about his calculation of Pi, creation of a new numerical system, and enigmatic legacy impacting the scientific revolution.
Jan 18, 2007 • 42min
The Jesuits
Exploring the Jesuits' influence from education to art, their global reach in missions, their suppression and restoration. Learn about Loyola's spiritual journey, their role in the Catholic Church, and their impact on science and culture. Discover their patronage of the arts, adaptability in foreign lands, success in education, and their eventual re-establishment after suppression.
Jan 11, 2007 • 42min
Mars
Delving into the allure of Mars, this podcast discusses its harsh conditions, mysterious history, and the ongoing debate about the possibility of life on the red planet. From ancient beliefs to modern scientific discoveries, the fascination with Mars continues to captivate our imagination. The exploration of Mars's surface, atmosphere, and potential for human habitation leaves us eagerly anticipating the next chapter in our quest to uncover the secrets of this captivating world.
9 snips
Jan 4, 2007 • 42min
Jorge Luis Borges
Explore how Jorge Luis Borges challenged traditional notions with his short stories on identity and reality. Learn about his unique writing style, blending multiple narrative levels. Delve into his use of illusions and liberal translations that inspired Latin American writers. Discover his views on language, reality, and fantasy, shaping global literature with mystical storytelling.
Dec 28, 2006 • 42min
Constantinople Siege and Fall
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the siege of Constantinople in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and rise of the Ottoman Empire. Topics include the city's strategic importance, advances in weaponry like cannons, Ottoman military strengths, and the emotional aftermath of the fall.
Dec 21, 2006 • 28min
Hell
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss hell and its representation in literature and the visual arts, through the ages from Ancient Egypt to modern Christianity. Why do certain religions have a Satan figure and others don’t? And why did hell shift from the underworld to here on earth in 20th Century representations?A fiery vault beneath the earth or as Sartre put it, other people - it seems our ideas of hell are inevitably shaped by religious and cultural forces. For Homer and Virgil it’s a place you can visit and return from, often a wiser person for it. With Christianity it’s a one way journey and a just punishment for a sinful, unrepentant life. Writers and painters like Dante and Hieronymus Bosch gave free rein to their imaginations, depicting a complex hierarchical world filled with the writhing bodies of tormented sinners. In the 20th century hell can be found on earth in portrayals of war and the Holocaust but also in the mind, particularly in the works of TS Eliot and Primo Levi. So what is the purpose of hell and why is it found mainly in religions concerned with salvation? Why has hell proved so inspirational for artists through the ages, perhaps more so than heaven? And why do some ideas of hell require a Satan figure while others don't?With Martin Palmer, Director of the International Consultancy on Religion, Education and Culture; Margaret Kean, Tutor and Fellow in English at St Hilda’s College, Oxford; Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum.
Dec 14, 2006 • 42min
Indian Mathematics
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the contribution Indian mathematicians have made to our understanding of the subject. Mathematics from the Indian subcontinent has provided foundations for much of our modern thinking on the subject. They were thought to be the first to use zero as a number. Our modern numerals have their roots there too. And mathematicians in the area that is now India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were grappling with concepts such as infinity centuries before Europe got to grips with it. There’s even a suggestion that Indian mathematicians discovered Pythagoras’ theorem before Pythagoras. Some of these advances have their basis in early religious texts which describe the geometry necessary for building falcon-shaped altars of precise dimensions. Astronomical calculations used to decide the dates of religious festivals also encouraged these mathematical developments. So how were these advances passed on to the rest of the world? And why was the contribution of mathematicians from this area ignored by Europe for centuries?With George Gheverghese Joseph, Honorary Reader in Mathematics Education at Manchester University; Colva Roney-Dougal, Lecturer in Pure Mathematics at the University of St Andrews; Dennis Almeida, Lecturer in Mathematics Education at Exeter University and the Open University.
Dec 7, 2006 • 42min
Anarchism
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Anarchism, tracing its roots to philosophers like Proudhon and its influence on movements like communism and feminism. They explore the concept of anarchy as 'without rulers' and its impact on the Spanish Civil War. The podcast delves into the evolution of anarchist ideas, from the early rejection of a ruling class to the principles of mutual aid and shared possessions. It examines the challenges faced by anarchists in defending their beliefs and the factors that made the 19th and early 20th centuries the high point for anarchism.
Nov 30, 2006 • 42min
The Speed of Light
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the speed of light. Scientists and thinkers have been fascinated with the speed of light for millennia. Aristotle wrongly contended that the speed of light was infinite, but it was the 17th Century before serious attempts were made to measure its actual velocity – we now know that it’s 186,000 miles per second. Then in 1905 Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity predicted that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. This then has dramatic effects on the nature of space and time. It’s been thought the speed of light is a constant in Nature, a kind of cosmic speed limit, now the scientists aren’t so sure. With John Barrow, Professor of Mathematical Sciences and Gresham Professor of Astronomy at Cambridge University; Iwan Morus, Senior Lecturer in the History of Science at The University of Wales, Aberystwyth; Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Visiting Professor of Astrophysics at Oxford University.
