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
5 snips
Jul 20, 2023 • 55min
Elizabeth Anscombe
Roger Teichmann, a Lecturer in Philosophy at St Hilda’s College, dives into the remarkable life of Elizabeth Anscombe, a trailblazer in moral philosophy. They discuss her staunch objections to the use of nuclear weapons, calling it immoral due to the massive civilian casualties. Teichmann highlights her critiques of traditional moral views and her emphasis on intention in ethics, reshaping philosophical discourse. Anscombe's journey under Ludwig Wittgenstein and her bold defiance of societal norms illustrate her influential legacy in modern philosophy.
4 snips
Jul 13, 2023 • 49min
Death in Venice
In this thought-provoking discussion, guests Karolina Watroba, an expert in Modern Languages, Erica Wickerson, a former Research Fellow at Cambridge, and Sean Williams, a Senior Lecturer in German Culture, delve deep into Thomas Mann's "Death in Venice." They explore the complex themes of obsession, beauty, and self-destruction through the tragic figure of Gustav von Aschenbach. The conversation also highlights the interplay between desire and morality, linking Mann's writing to contemporary societal challenges and the philosophical tensions of art and life.
Jul 6, 2023 • 55min
Oedipus Rex
Join Nick Lowe, Reader in Classical Literature, Fiona Macintosh, Professor of Classical Reception, and Edith Hall, Professor of Classics, as they dissect Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. They delve into the play's exploration of fate, identity, and power dynamics in ancient Athens. The discussion highlights Oedipus's tragic journey from a revered king to a tyrant who blinds himself, as well as the play's lasting legacy through psychological interpretations. Expect insights into audience participation and the complex relationships that make this tragedy a timeless masterpiece.
35 snips
Jun 29, 2023 • 52min
Mitochondria
In this engaging discussion, Mike Murphy, a Professor at the University of Cambridge, sheds light on how mitochondria are vital for energy production in complex life forms. Florencia Camus from UCL delves into the genetics and evolutionary history of these powerhouses, while Nick Lane explores their integral role in health and aging. The trio discusses mitochondrial DNA’s unique maternal inheritance and its implications for tracing human ancestry. They also touch on cutting-edge topics like mitochondrial replacement therapy and its potential to revolutionize medicine.
47 snips
Jun 22, 2023 • 47min
Louis XIV: The Sun King
Catriona Seth, an expert in French literature, Guy Rowlands, a historian of early modern Europe, and Penny Roberts, a specialist in political strategies, dive into the fascinating reign of Louis XIV. They discuss how he centralized power and became the 'Sun King,' embodying authority while navigating complex court dynamics. The trio examines his military reforms, financial strategies, and the cultural influence he wielded. They also address the legacy he left behind and the challenges his successors faced in maintaining his vision of absolute monarchy.
6 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 49min
Virgil's Georgics
Join classics experts Katharine Earnshaw, Neville Morley, and Diana Spencer as they explore Virgil's 'Georgics'—a remarkable blend of farming manual and philosophical treatise. They discuss its intricate connections between agriculture and post-civil war politics in Rome, exploring the significance of rural life and land ownership. The conversation highlights the symbolism of bees as reflections of civil unrest and examines Virgil’s Epicurean influences, making his insights relevant to today's environmental challenges.
7 snips
Jun 8, 2023 • 48min
The Shimabara Rebellion
Satona Suzuki, a Lecturer in Japanese History, and Erica Baffelli, a Professor of Japanese Studies, delve into the Shimabara Rebellion of the 1630s. They discuss the uprising's roots in poverty and heavy taxation, driven by predominantly Christian peasants. The guests highlight the brutal response from the Tokugawa shogunate, which deployed a massive army to quash the rebellion. The ensuing crackdown on Christianity ultimately led to Japan's 250-year isolation from the outside world, reshaping its socio-political landscape forever.
45 snips
Jun 1, 2023 • 48min
The Dead Sea Scrolls
Join Sarah Pearce, an expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Ian Karten, a Jewish Studies professor, and Charlotte Hempel, a specialist in Second Temple Judaism. They dive into the gripping tale of how a Bedouin shepherd's discovery in 1946 unearthed texts that reshaped our understanding of Jewish beliefs around the time of Jesus. The discussion reveals the complexities of the Essenes, the significance of the Jerusalem temple, and the advanced technologies now illuminating these ancient writings. A fascinating look at our historical roots!
4 snips
May 25, 2023 • 50min
Walt Whitman
Sarah Churchwell, a Professor of American Literature, Peter Riley, a Lecturer in 19th Century American Literature, and Mark Ford, a Professor of English and American Literature, dive into the life of Walt Whitman. They discuss his groundbreaking collection, 'Leaves of Grass,' and how it defied traditional forms through free verse. The conversation also explores Whitman's complex relationship with individuality and community amid the Civil War. His evolving views on race and societal norms, infused with optimism and paradox, reveal his enduring influence on American poetry.
May 18, 2023 • 50min
Linnaeus
In this engaging discussion, Staffan Muller-Wille, a University Lecturer in History of Life at Cambridge, and Stella Sandford, a Professor of Modern European Philosophy, explore the revolutionary impact of Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy. They delve into Linnaeus's innovative binomial nomenclature and his daring classification of species, including humans alongside apes. The conversation also touches on the complex interplay between theology and science, showcasing how philosophical ideas shaped botanical science and sparked modern ecological thinking.
