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
Mar 28, 2002 • 28min
The Artist
Exploring the evolution of artists from lowly craftsmen to revered intellectuals, with discussions on Plato's views, Greek myths, Renaissance individualism, and the romanticized image of artists. The podcast delves into the artist-patron relationship, the emergence of the artist's independence in the 18th century, and the transition from artisanal work to inspiration in the art world.
Mar 21, 2002 • 42min
Marriage
Delving into the history of marriage, this podcast explores the evolution from informal unions to formal vows. It discusses the shift from polygamy to monogamy, the reasons for getting married, and the influence of the church and state on personal affairs. From Babylonian codes to Lord Hardwick's marriage act, the episode covers a wide range of historical perspectives on marriage practices.
12 snips
Mar 14, 2002 • 28min
The Buddha
Explore the life and teachings of The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, as he attains enlightenment through meditation. Learn about karma, rebirth, and Nirvana in Buddhism. Discover the influence of Buddhism in Southeast Asia and its growing popularity in the Western world. Delve into the transformative journey of the Buddha, the spread of Buddhism under Emperor Ashoka, and the significance of karma in shaping destinies. Uncover the appeal of Buddhism in the West with mindfulness practices and personal development.
Mar 7, 2002 • 28min
Milton
Explore the life of John Milton, poet and politician during English Civil Wars. Discuss his works like Paradise Lost, his views on Liberty, and his role as a pamphleteer. Debate whether he should be remembered as a poet or politician, idealist or revolutionary. With insights from experts in English Literature and Renaissance Studies.
Feb 28, 2002 • 42min
Virtue
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history and significance of virtue, exploring ideas from Plato, Aristotle, and the Christian Church. They debate whether virtue comes from reason or innate human sympathies, challenging traditional views with a modern reappraisal. The podcast delves into the origins of cardinal virtues, Aristotle's concept of magnanimity, Hume's theory of virtue, self-deception's influence on moral virtues, and the contrasting perspectives of Kant and Aristotle on morality.
Feb 21, 2002 • 42min
The Celts
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Celts. Around 400 BC a great swathe of Western Europe from Ireland to Southern Russia was dominated by one civilisation. Perched on the North Western fringe of this vast Iron Age culture were the British who shared many of the religious, artistic and social customs of their European neighbours. These customs were Celtic and this civilisation was the Celts.The Greek historians who studied and recorded the Celts' way of life deemed them to be one of the four great Barbarian peoples of the world. The Romans wrote vivid accounts of Celtic rituals including the practice of human sacrifice - presided over by Druids - and the tradition of decapitating their enemies and turning their heads into drinking vessels.But what were the Celts in Britain really like? Was their apparent lust for violence tempered by a love of poetry and beautiful art? How far should we trust the classical historians in their writings on the Celts? And what can we learn from the archaeological remains that have been discovered in this country? With Barry Cunliffe, Professor of European Archaeology at Oxford University; Alistair Moffat, Historian and author of The Sea Kingdoms - The Story of Celtic Britain and Ireland; Miranda Aldhouse Green, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Wales.
Feb 14, 2002 • 28min
Anatomy
Explore the history of anatomical study, from Greeks comparing humans to pigs to Renaissance dissections. Follow the noble ambitions of medical science and the murky world of Victorian grave robbing. Learn about Vesalius captivating Renaissance Artists and Burke and Hare’s gruesome pursuits. Dive into the roles of science, religion, and art in understanding the male and female body.
Feb 7, 2002 • 28min
The Universe's Shape
Explore the origins of the universe through the Big Bang theory, red shift phenomenon supporting universe expansion, evolution from hot gas to galaxies, mysteries of dark matter, debates on universe's shape, cosmic radiation remnant from Big Bang, anthropic principle, and implications of different laws of nature in distinct universes
Jan 31, 2002 • 28min
Yeats and Mysticism
Delve into the mystical world of W.B. Yeats - from Celtic folklore to his wife's spirit communications. Explore his role as a poet, mystic, and practitioner of magic. Learn about Yeats' fascination with occult subcultures and how his poems reflect his dreams and spiritual beliefs.
6 snips
Jan 24, 2002 • 28min
Happiness
Philosophers Angie Hobbs, Simon Blackburn, and Anthony Grayling delve into the age-old debate on happiness. They explore whether true happiness arises from pleasure or virtue, referencing historical figures like Horace and Thrasymachus. The trio examines Eudaimonia's concept, contrasting perspectives from Plato and Aristotle. They also discuss Epicurus's views on pleasure versus Stoicism's composure amid adversity. The conversation links ancient insights to modern expectations of health, wealth, and the enigmatic quest for genuine contentment.
