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
Oct 26, 2006 • 42min
The Encyclopédie
Explore the ambitious French encyclopédie project of the Enlightenment period with D’Alembert, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot. Learn about the challenges faced, the collaboration efforts, and the impact on revolutionary ideas in France. Delve into the rebellious and bohemian lifestyles of key figures, the alphabetical organization of the encyclopédie, and the triumphs over censorship and bans. Discover how this comprehensive encyclopaedia embodied the values of the Enlightenment and influenced the French Revolution.
Oct 19, 2006 • 42min
The Needham Question
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Needham Question; why Europe and not China developed modern technology. What do these things have in common? Fireworks, wood-block printing, canal lock-gates, kites, the wheelbarrow, chain suspension bridges and the magnetic compass. The answer is that they were all invented in China, a country that, right through the Middle Ages, maintained a cultural and technological sophistication that made foreign dignitaries flock to its imperial courts for trade and favour. But then, around 1700, the flow of ingenuity began to dry up and even reverse as Europe bore the fruits of the scientific revolution back across the globe. Why did Modern Science develop in Europe when China seemed so much better placed to achieve it? This is called the Needham Question, after Joseph Needham, the 20th century British Sinologist who did more, perhaps, than anyone else to try and explain it.But did Joseph Needham give a satisfactory answer to the question that bears his name? Why did China’s early technological brilliance not lead to the development of modern science and how did momentous inventions like gunpowder and printing enter Chinese society with barely a ripple and yet revolutionise the warring states of Europe? With Chris Cullen, Director of the Needham Research Institute in Cambridge; Tim Barrett, Professor of East Asian History at SOAS; Frances Wood, Head of Chinese Collections at the British Library.
Oct 12, 2006 • 42min
The Diet of Worms
Learn about the bold actions of Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms, defying the Catholic Church and sparking the European Reformation. Discover the political and religious turmoil that ensued, as Luther risked it all for his beliefs and changed the course of European history forever.
Oct 5, 2006 • 42min
Averroes
Explore the fascinating life and works of Averroes, the Islamic scholar who bridged Greek philosophy with Islamic theology, earning both admiration and controversy. Delve into his influence on Dante's Divine Comedy, his essential commentaries on Aristotle, and his journey navigating political and religious conflicts. Discover Averroes' legacy in shaping medieval philosophy and his surprising impact on European thinkers like St Thomas Aquinas.
Sep 28, 2006 • 42min
Humboldt
Explore the life and impact of Alexander von Humboldt, a renowned scientist and explorer of the 18th and 19th centuries, known for his scientific contributions, multilingual abilities, and detailed maps. Discover the rise and fall of his fame, his innovative scientific instruments, and his influence on key historical figures like Darwin. Dive into his journeys to South America, his political complexities, and his lasting legacy in intellectual thought and environmental conservation.
Jul 13, 2006 • 42min
Comedy in Ancient Greek Theatre
Delving into the world of Ancient Greek comedy, the podcast explores Aristophanes' satirical plays critiquing Athenian democracy. From the competitive nature of Greek theatre to the linguistic brilliance of Aristophanes, the evolution of comedy is traced through political satire and family-oriented themes. The podcast reveals the rich and creative theatrical landscape of Ancient Greek comedy.
Jul 6, 2006 • 42min
Pastoral Literature
Delve into pastoral literature with a focus on nature, innocence, and city versus country life. Explore the significance of key figures like Theocritus, Virgil, Marlowe, and Shakespeare. Unravel the political, social, and religious dimensions of pastoral works and the evolution of the genre in English literature.
Jun 29, 2006 • 42min
Galaxies
Delving into the vast and intricate world of galaxies, the podcast discusses their immense scale, formation, and the dynamics shaping their movements. From the Milky Way's structure to the role of black holes and the constant cycle of star creation and destruction within galaxies, the episode explores the mysteries and beauty of these cosmic islands.
Jun 22, 2006 • 42min
The Spanish Inquisition
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Spanish Inquisition, the defenders of medieval orthodoxy. The word ‘Inquisition’ has its roots in the Latin word 'inquisito' which means inquiry. The Romans used the inquisitorial process as a form of legal procedure employed in the search for evidence. Once Rome's religion changed to Christianity under Constantine, it retained the inquisitorial trial method but also developed brutal means of dealing with heretics who went against the doctrines of the new religion. Efforts to suppress religious freedom were initially ad hoc until the establishment of an Office of Inquisition in the Middle Ages, founded in response to the growing Catharist heresy in South West France. The Spanish Inquisition set up in 1478 surpassed all Inquisitorial activity that had preceded it in terms of its reach and length. For 350 years under Papal Decree, Jews, then Muslims and Protestants were put through the Inquisitional Court and condemned to torture, imprisonment, exile and death. How did the early origins of the Inquisition in Medieval Europe spread to Spain? What were the motivations behind the systematic persecution of Jews, Muslims and Protestants? And what finally brought about an end to the Spanish Inquisition 350 years after it had first been decreed? With John Edwards, Research Fellow in Spanish at the University of Oxford; Alexander Murray, Emeritus Fellow in History at University College, Oxford;Michael Alpert, Emeritus Professor in Modern and Contemporary History of Spain at the University of Westminster
Jun 15, 2006 • 42min
Carbon
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the fascinating world of Carbon, discussing its versatile bonding capabilities, presence in everyday items, significance in energy production, and role in nanotechnology. They explore the formation of carbon in stars, its diverse applications in technology, and the challenges posed by depleting carbon energy sources.
