Gresham College Lectures

While Lycurgus of Sparta and Solon of Athens are now the best-known lawgivers of Greek antiquity, there were many others, from king Minos in Crete to Zaleucus and Charondas in southern Italy. This lecture explores the specific roles attributed to Greek lawgivers in fact and legend, revealing how and why they captured later political imaginations – with mention of how some even set laws to music.This lecture was recorded by Melissa Lane on 26th September 2024 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London.Melissa is also the Class of 1943 Professor of Politics, Princeton University and is also Associated Faculty in the Department of Classics and Department of Philosophy. Previously she was Senior University Lecturer at Cambridge University in the Faculty of History and Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge.Having previously held visiting appointments at Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford, she will be Isaiah Berlin Visiting Professor in the History of Ideas in the Faculties of Philosophy and History at Oxford University, and a Visiting Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, in Michaelmas Term 2024.The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/singing-lawsGresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham's mission, please consider making a donation: https://gresham.ac.uk/support/Website:  https://gresham.ac.ukTwitter:  https://twitter.com/greshamcollegeFacebook: https://facebook.com/greshamcollegeInstagram: https://instagram.com/greshamcollegeSupport the show

This first lecture looks at the power that is given to advocates in a country that has a constitutional structure like the US. I have brought  The American Constitution powers an American lawyer in ways unavailable to the British. I will illustrate this difference from my own experience of bringing 88 cases against the President of the US. I have thus far lost just one.This lecture was recorded by Clive Stafford Smith on 19th September 2024 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London.Clive is the Gresham Professor of LawHe is the founder and director of  the Justice League a non-profit human rights training centre focused on fostering the next generation of advocates.  He also teaches part time at Bristol Law School and Goldsmiths as well as running a summer programme for 35 students in Dorset, his home. He has received all kinds of awards in recognition of his work, including an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II for “services to humanity” in 2000. He has been a member of the Louisiana State Bar since 1984.The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/human-rights-law-0Gresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham's mission, please consider making a donation: https://gresham.ac.uk/support/Website:  https://gresham.ac.ukTwitter:  https://twitter.com/greshamcollegeFacebook: https://facebook.com/greshamcollegeInstagram: https://instagram.com/greshamcollegeSupport the show

Ronald Hutton, a prominent historian and professor, delves into the intriguing world of modern Paganism. He explores its connections to ancient traditions, witchcraft, and Druidry, highlighting the evolution of rituals and beliefs over time. The discussion also examines how Victorian literature intertwined Christianity with pagan influences and the emergence of modern Druidry and shamanism. Hutton clarifies misconceptions about Paganism and Satanism, while emphasizing the positive integration of these beliefs into contemporary culture.

Alain Goriely, a leading researcher in mathematical brain studies and Gresham Professor of Geometry, dives into the relationship between brain size and intelligence. He challenges the myth that bigger brains mean smarter minds, discussing how statistical methods can uncover deeper insights. The conversation covers historical contexts like phrenology, modern studies using MRI technology, and emphasizes the importance of neuron count over mere size. Through allometry and scaling laws, Goriely reveals the intricate connections between brain capacity, metabolic demands, and cognitive abilities across species.

In this enlightening discussion, astronomer Chris Lintott, a professor at the University of Oxford, shares insights on the Hubble Space Telescope's transformative journey. He explores the cosmic relationships of supernovae and their role in star formation, emphasizing the significance of stellar life cycles, particularly focusing on the impending supernova of Betelgeuse. Lintott also unravels the intricate beauty of planetary nebulae and reflects on Hubble's evolution from flawed beginnings to its revolutionary cosmic imagery, shaping our understanding of the universe.

Bernardine Evaristo OBE, an acclaimed writer known for her significant contributions to literature and the arts, dives into the power of storytelling in shaping identities and challenging societal norms. She discusses how narratives can be manipulated in politics and the importance of female imagination in resisting patriarchy. Evaristo advocates for recognition of African diaspora voices and a bold memorial for the transatlantic slave trade, emphasizing the need for inclusive cultural awareness. She also critiques stereotypes in cinema, calling for empathetic narratives.

In this discussion, Charles Falconer, a prominent legal expert and member of the House of Lords, dives into the intricacies of the UK constitution. He questions whether it allows for political misconduct, citing the controversies surrounding Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Falconer emphasizes the need for a strong judiciary as a check against political power. He explores recent rulings on immigration, particularly concerning Rwanda, and advocates for reforms to safeguard constitutional integrity amid rising executive authority.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Melissa Lane, a scholar specializing in the interplay of philosophy and climate change, draws parallels between Plato's allegory of the Cave and our current climate crisis. She challenges the societal constructs that trap us in fossil fuel dependency and critiques traditional economic growth models. The conversation tackles the importance of genuine understanding over superficial consumption and emphasizes the need for trust in climate communication, advocating for honesty over 'noble lies' in addressing climate issues.

This lecture will explore the world of the second Bloomsbury generation, delving into the intricacies of being young and queer in the 1920s, and how their open way of living and loving is still relevant to our present day. Lesser known than their predecessors, they continued the celebration of freedom of expression and creativity.The lecture will introduce artists and intellectuals such as Eddy Sackville-West, Stephen Tomlin and Julia Strachey, who led an unapologetic life by pushing gender boundaries and social conventions, as well as exploring gender fluidity and pansexuality.This lecture was recorded by Nino Strachey on 11th June 2024 at Barnard's Inn Hall, LondonThe transcript of the lecture is available from the Gresham College website:https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/queer-bloomsburyGresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham's mission, please consider making a donation: https://gresham.ac.uk/support/Website:  https://gresham.ac.ukTwitter:  https://twitter.com/greshamcollegeFacebook: https://facebook.com/greshamcollegeInstagram: https://instagram.com/greshamcollegeSupport the show

Raghavendra Rau, an expert in finance known for his insights on market efficiency and behavioral biases, dives into the complexities of financial markets. He explores why investors are drawn to bizarre assets like NFTs and meme stocks despite the theory of market efficiency. Rau discusses behavioral biases that can predict returns and challenges traditional views on consistent investment success, emphasizing randomness over certainty. With an engaging mix of humor and historical anecdotes, he unpacks the intricate dynamics influencing market patterns and investor behavior.