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 29, 2001 • 28min
The Philosophy of Love
Delving into the Philosophy of Love, the podcast explores the origin story of humans split by the Gods in search of their other halves. It examines Socrates' theory of love rooted in beauty and goodness, challenges the perception of sex in love, and dives into Plato's concept of love in 'The Lysis'. The discussion extends to love in literature through Cordelia and Desdemona, analyzing love, jealousy, and revenge with Othello, and exploring the complexities of love, sex, and friendship in literature.
Mar 22, 2001 • 42min
Fossils
Explore the historical and scientific impact of fossils, from early fossil hunters to modern technologies. Discover the beliefs and interpretations of fossils throughout history, highlighting key figures like Pythagoras and Leonardo da Vinci. Uncover the strange origin theories of fossils and the geological significance of Trilobites. Delve into measuring time with fossils, exploring ancient ecosystems, and advancements in paleontology through new technologies.
Mar 15, 2001 • 28min
Shakespeare's Life
Delving into Shakespeare's mysterious life, the podcast discusses his humble origins, remarkable writing skills, and debated authorship. Exploring the preservation of his works, contrasting personalities with Ben Johnson, and controversies of collaboration, it also touches on a forgery scandal and the dual identity of Shakespeare on page and stage.
Mar 1, 2001 • 28min
Money
Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the power of money throughout history, from biblical references to modern economic theories. They explore the influence of money on historical events, critique economic determinism, and analyze the collapse of the Weimar Republic. The discussion covers Marx's economic determinism, political decisions' economic consequences, and the intricate relationships between economics and global power dynamics.
12 snips
Feb 22, 2001 • 28min
Quantum Gravity
Physicists explore the challenge of unifying laws governing everyday objects with the quantum world. They discuss revolutionary impact of quantum theory, uncertainty in quantum entities, and attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics with macroscopic physics. Concepts of dimensions, the Big Bang, and a pre-existing state are explored, along with the optimism for solving the quantum gravity problem and the potential impact of a unified theory.
Feb 15, 2001 • 28min
The Restoration
Richard Ollard, an expert on the Stuart period, Mark Goldie from Cambridge, and Clare Jackson, a historian specializing in Scotland, delve into the Restoration of Charles II. They explore the contrast between the optimistic portrayal of a golden age and the harsh realities of political tensions and societal unrest. The discussion covers the Declaration of Breda, religious intolerance during the era, particularly in Scotland, and the complexities of Charles II's monarchy. Listeners will find a fascinating exploration of an era riddled with contradiction.
Feb 8, 2001 • 28min
Humanism
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Humanism. On the 3rd January 106 BC Marcus Tullius Cicero, lawyer, politician, Roman philosopher and the founding father of Humanism was born. His academy, the Studia Humanitas taught ‘the art of living well and blessedly through learning and instruction in the fine arts’, his version of ‘humanitas’ put man not God at the centre of the world.Centuries later, Cicero’s teachings had been metamorphosed into ‘Classical Humanism’, a faith in the soft arts of the Greek world. But how did Cicero’s ideas become Renaissance ideals? How did a small Greek curriculum later become a world philosophy? The human centred creed is credited with giving us human rights and democracy but has also been blamed for the most unspeakable horrors of the modern age. Have his ideas been distorted through the centuries for political ends? And why do some contemporary thinkers think the Humanist tradition is responsible for Elitism, Sexism and even Nazism? With Tony Davies, Professor and Head of the Department of English, University of Birmingham and author of Humanism; Lisa Jardine, Professor of Renaissance Studies, Queen Mary College, University of London and Honorary Fellow of Kings College Cambridge; Simon Goldhill, Reader in Greek Literature and Culture at Kings College Cambridge.
Feb 1, 2001 • 28min
Imperial Science
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss whether the British Empire was driven by the science of plants and agriculture rather than force. They explore the notion of 'improvement' as a driving force behind the Empire, and question if the 'light of pure reason' they brought to colonies was truly brighter. The episode delves into the evolution of scientific knowledge in colonial contexts and the dynamics of integrating indigenous and Western knowledge.
Jan 25, 2001 • 42min
Science and Religion
Stephen Jay Gould and other experts discuss the boundaries and compatibility of science and religion. They explore the non-overlapping magisteria concept, the evolution of science, ethical debates, Galileo's clash with the Catholic Church, genetic engineering in agriculture, and the intersection of science and religion in addressing morality and ethics.
Jan 18, 2001 • 42min
The Enlightenment in Britain
Exploring the Enlightenment in Britain, key thinkers like Locke and their impact on modern society are discussed. The unique characteristics of the British Enlightenment, its influence on the industrial revolution, and the transition to Romanticism are highlighted. Debates on control, dominance, progress, and democracy during this era add complexity to the intellectual movement.
