Isaiah Berlin
Isaiah Berlin (1909–1997), founding President of Wolfson College, University of Oxford, is regarded as one of the leading thinkers of the twentieth century. He was famous as an extempore lecturer, and his inimitable speaking style is well illustrated in this series of podcasts.
Latest episodes
Jul 31, 2013 • 1h 4min
The Origins of Cultural History: 1 – Two Notions of the History of Culture: The German versus the French Tradition
Isaiah Berlin gives the first of his Gauss Seminars at Princeton University on 'The Origins of Cultural History', 19 February 1973 Transcript at: https://berlin.wolf.ox.ac.uk/lists/nachlass/origins1.pdf Transcript at: https://isaiah-berlin.wolfson.ox.ac.uk/catalogues
Jul 31, 2013 • 1h 7min
The Origins of Cultural History: 2 – Geisteswissenschaft and the Natural Sciences: Vico versus Descartes
Isaiah Berlin gives the second of his three Gauss Seminars at Princeton University on 'The Origins of Cultural History', 20 February 1973 Transcript at https://berlin.wolf.ox.ac.uk/lists/nachlass/origins2.pdf Transcript at: https://isaiah-berlin.wolfson.ox.ac.uk/catalogues
Jul 31, 2013 • 1h 14min
The Origins of Cultural History: 3 – The Origins of the Conflict: Political Lawyers, Classical Scholars, Narrative Historians
Isaiah Berlin gives the third of his three Gauss Seminars at Princeton University on 'The Origins of Cultural History', 22 February 1973 Transcript at https://berlin.wolf.ox.ac.uk/lists/nachlass/origins3.pdf and https://isaiah-berlin.wolfson.ox.ac.uk/catalogues
Jul 31, 2013 • 1h 1min
Two Enemies of the Enlightenment: 3 – Joseph de Maistre
Isaiah Berlin gives the third of his four Woodbridge Lectures at Columbia University, New York, 27 October 1965 Transcript at https://berlin.wolf.ox.ac.uk/lists/nachlass/maistre.pdf. Recordings have been found only of the second and third lectures.
Jul 31, 2013 • 56min
Two Enemies of the Enlightenment: 2 – J. G. Hamann
Isaiah Berlin gives the second of his four Woodbridge Lectures at Columbia University, New York, 26 October 1965 Transcript at https://berlin.wolf.ox.ac.uk/lists/nachlass/hamann.pdf. Recordings have been found only of the second and third lectures.
9 snips
Jun 3, 2009 • 57min
A Very Personal Impression: Isaiah Berlin
This talk was given at Wolfson College on 28 May 2009 as part of the 'Lives and Works' series of lectures
Apr 15, 2009 • 1h 2min
From Communism to Zionism: Moses Hess (1957)
1957 Lucien Wolf Memorial Lecture. Lecture on the Jewish philosopher Moses Hess, one of the founders of Zionism and a committed Socialist. Berlin also discusses Hess’s evolution as a philosopher, from International Socialism to Zionism. Published in Berlin's collection 'Against the Current' (1979; 2nd ed. 2013)
Apr 15, 2009 • 30min
A Fire at Sea (1957)
The podcast explores the dramatic events of the Russian steamer Nicholas I catching fire, featuring Ivan Turgenev. It delves into intriguing tales of bribery and false accusations at sea, intertwining the fears of historical figures. The focus shifts to a man's struggles with weakness and moderation, his defense against ridicule in literature. A tale of youth and temptation unfolds on a steamer ship, revealing beginner's luck amidst charm and psychological intrigue. Passengers face a chaotic fire at sea, showcasing extreme behaviors and a daring rescue attempt amidst the flames.
Apr 15, 2009 • 41min
Alexander Herzen: His Opinions and Character (1955)
A deep dive into Alexander Herzen's beliefs in liberty, his disdain for radicalism in Russia, and his impact on society. The podcast explores his rebellious nature, the balance between objectivity and passion in creating content, and contrasts in national identities. It also analyzes Herzen's dialogue with Roy Blond and Tugenev's approach, highlighting the complexities of revolutionary passions and the preservation of civilization.
Apr 14, 2009 • 52min
Freedom and Its Betrayal: 2 – Jean Jacques Rousseau (1952)
Exploring Rousseau's anti-intellectualism, idealism of Nature, and authoritarian implications in 'On the Social Contract'. Highlighting his uncompromising stance on freedom as an absolute value, reshaping traditional concepts. Delving into the balance between individual freedom and societal rules, challenging conflicting notions of liberty and authority. Discussing Rousseau's vision of natural harmony and the interplay of freedom and authority in society.
