Context with Brad Harris
Brad Harris
Context is a podcast that explores the historical forces shaping our modern world. Hosted by Brad Harris, who earned his PhD from Stanford in the History of Science & Technology, each episode delves into pivotal ideas, events, and figures that have influenced civilization’s trajectory. From the rise of scientific thought to the challenges of globalization, Brad provides insightful analysis that connects the past to our present. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or seeking deeper understanding of contemporary issues, Context with Brad Harris offers a thoughtful journey through the narratives that define us.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 30, 2018 • 39min
Merchants of Doubt, by Naomi Oreskes & Erik Conway
Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway discuss the tactics used by influential physicists to prevent regulation on issues like smoking, acid rain, ozone hole, and global warming. They explore the role of the tobacco industry in disguising scientific evidence on smoking and cancer. The podcast also highlights the Reagan administration's doubt on acid rain and the success story of science-based regulation addressing the ozone hole. It touches on the role of Cold War heroes in the climate debate and emphasizes the need for unbiased science.
Oct 8, 2018 • 55min
Galileo's Finger: The Ten Great Ideas of Science, by Peter Atkins
Explore how civilization might rebuild scientifically from Peter Atkins' insights in 'Galileo’s Finger.' Discover the revolutionary classification work of Linnaeus and Mendel's genetics. Dive into the conservation of energy and its journey from Galileo to entropy. Unpack the beautiful complexities of matter through quantum mechanics and symmetry. Finally, marvel at Levitt and Hubble's astronomical breakthroughs that expanded our understanding of the universe, demonstrating the pivotal role of mathematics in unveiling the cosmos.
Sep 17, 2018 • 28min
Evolution's Other Narrative
Challenging traditional evolution views, the podcast explores symbiosis and cooperation in human-microorganism co-evolution. It delves into the cultural and philosophical influences on evolutionary theory, highlighting symbiotic interpretations and the Russian perspective on evolution. The discussion includes redefining evolution through symbiotic interpretations, the significance of symbiogenesis in evolution and human health, and obstacles in science communication.
Sep 5, 2018 • 42min
Plagues and Peoples, by William McNeill
The podcast explores the impact of diseases throughout history, including their influence on the rise and fall of empires such as the Roman and Aztec Empires. It discusses how diseases have shaped human civilization and spread as populations grew. The podcast also covers the devastating effects of plagues on Mediterranean lands, including the collapse of the Roman Empire. Additionally, it examines the role of diseases in the overwhelming of Native Americans by Europeans and how it influenced European dominance.
Aug 20, 2018 • 38min
1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created, by Charles Mann
Explore how Columbus's voyages gave rise to the Columbian Exchange, shaping modern globalization in unexpected ways. Discover the environmental and economic turmoil faced by Native American populations. Delve into the silver rush and its impact on global trade, including how American crops transformed economies. Learn about the complex legacy left by the exchange, from tobacco farming in Virginia to the profound societal changes in both the Americas and China.
Aug 6, 2018 • 38min
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, by Jack Weatherford
Discover the remarkable transformation of Genghis Khan from a vulnerable child to a formidable leader. Delve into his profound legacy and the ways his empire influenced world civilization through religious tolerance and socio-economic changes. The discussion sheds light on the intricate connections that fueled Europe's evolution, moving beyond a simplistic narrative of a single catalyst for the Renaissance. Explore how Genghis Khan shaped cultures and economies across continents, leaving an indelible mark on history.
Jul 24, 2018 • 24min
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by Thomas Kuhn
Thomas Kuhn, a prominent philosopher of science and author of a groundbreaking book, discusses his transformative ideas about scientific progress. He critiques the conventional narrative, emphasizing that knowledge isn't linear but rather complex and multifaceted. Kuhn explains the cyclical nature of paradigms and how crises can trigger scientific revolutions. He also delves into 'creative destruction,' illustrating how new discoveries can challenge established theories, reshaping our understanding of the world.
Jul 10, 2018 • 31min
Scientific Culture and the Making of the Industrial West, by Margaret Jacob
Margaret Jacob, an author and historian, delves into how scientific knowledge shaped European culture during the 1600s and 1700s. She highlights the pivotal role of Britain in the Industrial Revolution, powered by its unique integration of science and society. Jacob explores philosophical shifts from Descartes to Bacon, emphasizing the importance of empirical methods. Additionally, she discusses the English Revolution's impact on modern science and how Newtonian principles democratized knowledge, fueling innovation and economic success.
15 snips
Jun 26, 2018 • 36min
The Wealth and Poverty of Nations, by David Landes
Author David Landes explores how European society's unique cultural values of curiosity, novelty, and private property propelled it to lead the modern world. Topics include the impact of Protestant Reformation on economic growth, factors shaping European dominance post-Roman Empire, Europe's technological innovation contrasted with other societies, and Portugal's decline versus the Netherlands' maritime ventures.
Jun 6, 2018 • 26min
Guns, Germs, and Steel, by Jared Diamond
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies was published by Jared Diamond in 1997. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 1998, along with several other awards. The fundamental question that Diamond seeks to answer through this book is, why did history unfold so differently on different continents such that Eurasian societies became so disproportionately influential in creating the modern world? To support Context and access bonus content, visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/context. Learn more at https://bradharris.com.
