Reading Our Times
Theos
Reading Our Times is the podcast that explores the books and the ideas that are shaping us today. It is hosted by Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at the think tank, Theos.
We’re going to be talking to some of the world’s leading authors about issues like meritocracy, justice, populism, human rights, the brain, liberalism, and religion.
Above all, we'll be exploring what these books have to say about the times we live in and about the people we are.
So listen with us, and we’ll introduce you to authors, books and ideas that illuminate ourselves and our world today.
For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank and @theosnick.
We’re going to be talking to some of the world’s leading authors about issues like meritocracy, justice, populism, human rights, the brain, liberalism, and religion.
Above all, we'll be exploring what these books have to say about the times we live in and about the people we are.
So listen with us, and we’ll introduce you to authors, books and ideas that illuminate ourselves and our world today.
For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank and @theosnick.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 24, 2020 • 33min
How has the divided brain shaped the modern world? In conversation with Iain McGilchrist
Iain McGilchrist, a former Consultant Psychiatrist and author renowned for his insights on the brain's influence on culture, discusses how our divided brains shape our understanding of the world. He explores the distinct functions of the left and right hemispheres and their impact on historical cultural narratives. McGilchrist also delves into the shift from interconnectedness to individualism, the importance of human connection in a digital age, and the need for a balance between materialism and spirituality for genuine fulfillment.
Nov 17, 2020 • 33min
What's wrong with rights? In conversation with Nigel Biggar
The concept of ‘rights’ tends to provoke a strong response from people today: some hold them in quasi–religious esteem, while others consider them responsible for selfish individualism and social fragmentation.
Nick Spencer talks to Nigel Biggar, Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford, about his new book 'What’s wrong with rights?', which takes a critical look at the language, logic and implementation of rights today.
Nov 10, 2020 • 39min
Why is the West becoming so unequal and what can we do about it? In conversation with Thomas Piketty
Levels of inequality, particularly in the West, have been growing steadily over the last 50 years, and they seem likely to accelerate in the wake of Covid–19. Why is this? Why was the 20th century so good as equalising wealth and income, why is the 21st century different, and what should we do about it?
Nick Spencer talks to the economist, Thomas Piketty – whose books Capital in the 21st century and Capital and Ideology have changed the debate on the subject – about inequality, solidarity, and the dangers of treating property as if it were sacred.
Nov 3, 2020 • 36min
What can dementia teach us about being human? In conversation with Nicci Gerrard
Approximately 850,000 people in the UK today are living with dementia – and that number is just set to grow. But what actually is dementia? What does it do to us? And what does it say about us, and in particular about our humanity?
In the third episode of Reading Our Times, Nick Spencer talks to novelist and journalist Nicci Gerrard about her experience of her father’s dementia and the moving and poignant book she wrote about it, 'What Dementia Teaches Us About Love'.
Oct 27, 2020 • 34min
What does it mean to live in a secular age? In conversation with Charles Taylor
We live in “a secular age”, but what does that actually mean? How does secularism relate to religion? And how should it?
Nick Spencer talks to the Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor, about his famous book 'A Secular Age', which has done more to bring sophistication and nuance to the debates about secularism than any other published in a generation.
Sep 15, 2020 • 43min
What’s wrong with meritocracy? In conversation with Michael Sandel
In the first episode of Reading Our Times, Nick Spencer talks to leading political philosopher Michael Sandel about the pitfalls of meritocracy.
Sep 8, 2020 • 2min
Introducing Reading Our Times
Nick Spencer introduces new podcast from Theos Think Tank 'Reading Our Times'
