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
Nov 25, 2004 • 28min
The Venerable Bede
Exploring the profound scholarly legacy of the Venerable Bede, his impact on Western civilization, the debate around his origins, his extensive literary contributions including editing the Bible and poetry, the pivotal synod of Whitby, and his role in shaping the concept of Englishness.
Nov 18, 2004 • 42min
Higgs Boson
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the fascinating world of the Higgs Boson particle, exploring its importance in defining the universe and the massive international efforts to find it. From Peter Higgs' 'one big idea' to the construction of the CERN collider, they discuss the quest to unlock the mysteries of mass in the universe and the potential implications of discovering or not discovering the elusive God Particle.
Nov 11, 2004 • 42min
Zoroastrianism
Melvyn Bragg and guests discusses Zoroastrianism. "Now have I seen him with my own eyes, knowing him in truth to be the wise Lord of the good mind and of good deeds and words." Thus spake the real Zarathustra, the prophet and founder of the ancient and modern religion of Zoroastrianism. It has claims to be the world's first monotheistic creed and perhaps as long ago as 1200 BC Zarathustra also said, "I point out the way, it is the truth, it is for all living". Truth is a central tenet of the religion which holds that people must above all do good things, hear good things and see good things.How was the religion established in Ancient Persia, what is its body of beliefs and how have they been developed and disseminated?With Vesta Sarkhosh Curtis, Curator of Ancient Iranian Coins in the Department of Coins and Medals at the British Museum; Farrokh Vajifdar, Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society; Alan Williams, Senior Lecturer in Comparative Religion at the University of Manchester.
Nov 4, 2004 • 42min
Electrickery
Delve into the dawn of electricity in the 18th century, from entertaining demonstrations to political implications. Explore the clash between divinity and materialism, the evolution of theoretical assumptions, and Faraday's electromagnetic discoveries. Discover how electricity impacted society, from medical treatments to the rivalry between scientists in experimentation.
Oct 21, 2004 • 42min
Witchcraft
Podcast host Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the dark history of witchcraft in Reformation Europe, discussing the publication of Maleus Maleficarum in 1486, the misogyny and devil ideology surrounding women accused of witchcraft, the intricate societal perceptions of witches, and the tragic consequences of large-scale witch persecution fueled by political and religious turmoil in early modern Europe.
Oct 14, 2004 • 42min
Rhetoric
Melvyn Bragg, an expert in rhetoric and philosophy, discusses the development and impact of rhetoric throughout history. The conversation delves into contrasting views on rhetoric by philosophers like Gorgias and Plato, its evolution from Hellenistic to Renaissance periods, and the role of rhetoric in governance and decision-making. The podcast also explores the contrasting rhetorical styles of Hitler and Churchill, highlighting the power and influence of rhetoric in shaping messages and controlling crowds.
Oct 14, 2004 • 28min
The Han Synthesis
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Han Synthesis philosophies of China. In The Analects the Chinese sage Confucius says of statecraft: "He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn to it".Confucianism had been all but outlawed under the Chin Emperor, but in 206 BC the Han dynasty came to power and held sway for over 400 years. They brought Confucian thought to the heart of government, his favourite books became set texts for the world's first civil service exam and in a grand intellectual project 'The Great Tao' was combined with 'The Five Phases' and with the Yin and the Yang.Who were the Han? How did they bring these strands of thought together into the great founding moment of Chinese culture? And what drove them to their extraordinary intellectual task?With Christopher Cullen, Director of the Needham Research Institute; Carol Michaelson, Assistant Keeper of Chinese Art in the Department of Asia at the British Museum; Roel Sterckx, Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Cambridge.
29 snips
Oct 7, 2004 • 42min
Sartre
Explore the life and ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre, from his relationship with Simone de Beauvoir to his political activism and enduring quotes. Delve into the philosophical complexities of identity in his novel Lanose, resistance embedded in his plays, provocative remarks on freedom under Nazi occupation, and the intricate dynamics between Sartre and Albert Camus.
Sep 30, 2004 • 28min
Politeness
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the idea of Politeness. A new idea that stalked the land at the start of the eighteenth century in Britain, Politeness soon acquired a philosophy, a literature and even a society devoted to its thrall. It may seem to represent the very opposite now, but at that time, when Queen Anne was on the throne and The Spectator was in the coffee houses, politeness was part of a radical social revolution.How did the idea of politeness challenge the accepted norms of behaviour? How did a notion of how to behave affect the great wealth of eighteenth century culture? With Amanda Vickery, Reader in History at Royal Holloway, University of London; David Wootton, Professor of History at the University of York; John Mullan, Senior Lecturer in English at University College London.
Sep 23, 2004 • 28min
The Origins of Life
Scientists discuss the emergence of organic matter, the common ancestry of all life forms, and the role of evolution in starting the cycle of life. Topics include the primordial soup theory, Earth's formation, the role of oxygen, carbon's importance, Darwin's insights, RNA's role in life origins, and the potential extraterrestrial origins of life.
