Nick Spencer reflects on series 9 of Reading Our Times With series 9 of Reading Our Times coming to an end, Nick Spencer takes a look at the series and shares his thoughts on the ideas espoused by the various guests. Should Britain pay slavery reparations? Are 'leftism' and 'wokeism' compatible? What do all these topics tell us about what it means to be human? Join us for all this and more!

Nick Spencer speaks with Harvey Whitehouse, Chair of Social Anthropology at the University of Oxford The claim that evolution can help us understand, even explain, the modern world and modern mind has not always had a happy history, veering between overclaim and catastrophe. But the opposite idea - that everything is culture and nothing nature - is hardly more convincing. So, can we threat this needle? Can we have nuanced and realistic understanding of the impact of evolution on us today without going down the rabbit hole of determinism. So, what impact has evolution had on us - our communities and societies, our morality and our religion. Purchase Harvey's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inheritance-Evolutionary-Origins-Modern-World/dp/1529152224/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

In this engaging conversation, historian Jonathan Clark delves into the complexities of The Enlightenment. He critiques modern interpretations, suggesting they often misrepresent the era's sociability and practices. Clark explores the French Enlightenment's diverse thinkers like Voltaire and Diderot, emphasizing nuanced historical narratives. He also unpacks Kant’s essay on intellectual freedom, challenging common perceptions about authority's role during the period. The discussion ultimately reflects on the Enlightenment’s ideals of universality and democracy in today's context.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Michael Banner, a Christian ethicist and author, delves into the contentious topic of reparations for slavery. He highlights Britain's historical role in the transatlantic slave trade and the dark legacy of colonial exploitation. The conversation navigates the moral complexities of acknowledging past injustices and the implications of collective responsibility. Banner argues for a deeper understanding of moral accountability, challenging listeners to reconsider how we engage with our shared history and its ongoing impact on modern society.

Susan Neiman, Director of the Einstein Forum and author of "Left Is Not Woke," dives into the complex nature of 'woke.' She explores its evolution from a call for social awareness to a divisive term. Neiman critiques how the movement simplifies identities into mere victimhood, arguing for a broader understanding of justice and solidarity. She also addresses the historical nuances of Enlightenment thought and its impact on modern ideologies, emphasizing the need for genuine connections beyond ideological divides.

Nick Spencer speaks with Crossbench Peer and honorary professor of palliative medicine at Cardiff University, Ilora Finlay, and former professor of philosophy and old age psychiatry, Julian Hughes Assisted Dying is back on the legislative agenda, with parliament voting on it this autumn. It is a profound and contentious debate about which good and well-meaning people can and do disagree deeply. What is really at stake here? Apart from the obvious, the debate kicks up some profound and difficult questions about most important ideas concerning human life. For example, how far should we respect people's autonomy and choice? What constitutes a meaningful life? And what is the meaning of human dignity? 💬 Follow Theos here: https://linktr.ee/theosthinktank 📚 Buy a copy of Ilora and Julian's book 'The Reality of Assisted Dying' here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reality-Assisted-Dying-Julian-Hughes/dp/0335253172

In this engaging conversation, professor emeritus Charles Taylor explores the transformative power of poetry in a secular world. He highlights how poetry fosters deep human connections, standing in contrast to mere informational exchanges. Taylor examines the historical relationship between humanity and nature, advocating for art as a means to rekindle lost communion. He also dives into the conflict between empirical science and spiritual needs, emphasizing the importance of ‘epistemic humility’ in appreciating diverse perspectives. A thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s quest for meaning!

Nick Spencer speaks with Professor of Ancient History, Josephine Quinn About 30 years ago, the American political philosopher Samuel Huntington wrote a hugely influential book entitled The clash of civilizations in which he predicted that the ideological wars of the 20th century would give way to civilisational ones in the 21st. The book drew criticism for the way it talked about “civilizations” as if they were hard edged and obviously identifiable things. Because the general idea of civilizations is a relatively recent one, and if we peer into the mists of time, we can make out the many streams and tributaries that have poured into the West over the centuries to make it what it is. So, where exactly is our civilisation, “the West”? How has it been shaped by “other” cultures? And what does that mean for us today? 💬 Follow Theos here: https://linktr.ee/theosthinktank 📚 Buy a copy of Josephine Quinn's book 'How the World Made the West' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/how-the-world-made-the-west/josephine-quinn/9781526605184

Nick Spencer is joined by Johanna Thomas-Corr, David Shariatmadari and Juliet Mabey live at How The Light Gets In Festival We are emerging from the so-called “Gutenberg Parenthesis”, the 500 years in which the printed word dominated society, and embracing a new age of screens, images, and tweets. Or so it is claimed. Reading remains popular, however, and the printed book has rallied of late. What’s going on? Might the dominance of the book, indeed of the written word, be coming to an end? Or is it the only medium capable of handling the complexities of human reason and imagination? And how much does any of this matter? In a live recording at the How the Light Gets in festival in London, Nick Spencer discusses the future of books and reading with Times literary critic Johanna Thomas-Corr, Guardian literary editor David Shariatmadari and editorial director of Oneworld Publications Juliet Mabey. 💬 Follow Theos here: https://linktr.ee/theosthinktank

In this enlightening discussion, historian and podcaster Tom Holland engages with Nick Spencer about the intricate relationship between science and religion. They challenge the stereotype of an ongoing war between the two, exploring historical developments from the Enlightenment to modern times. Holland delves into Galileo's complex ties with the Church, the philosophical implications of AI, and theological questions surrounding extraterrestrial life. The conversation ultimately reveals how belief systems evolve, impacting contemporary social movements.