Past Present Future

Chris Smith, former MP and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in Tony Blair's government, dives deep into 'The Candidate' (1972). He discusses the film's raw portrayal of political compromise and the clash between idealism and reality in today's politics. Smith reveals how its themes resonate with current issues, especially amid a polarized political climate. He also draws fascinating parallels between the film and modern political figures, emphasizing the challenges candidates face in maintaining authenticity while navigating the complexities of political life.

Dive into the world of political cinema with a look at the 1969 classic 'Z'. Uncover how this film captures the essence of 1960s political turmoil, exploring themes of assassination and conspiracy. It dissects the clashes of power and the complexities surrounding a Greek politician's death. Experience the tension between authoritarianism and American influence, revealing unsettling truths about democracy. Finally, ponder how storytelling intertwines with political force, shedding light on the delicate balance of narrative and reality.

Gary Gerstle, a historian and expert on American politics, dives deep into the futility of televised leadership debates from Nixon vs. Kennedy to Harris vs. Trump. He questions whether voters truly learn from these events or if they are simply a platform for avoiding mistakes. The discussion also covers the impact of memorable gaffes, such as Gerald Ford's misstatement about Eastern Europe, and compares the U.S. debate format with the evolution seen in British politics during the 2010 UK general election, challenging the effectiveness of modern political discourse.

Robert Saunders, a UK elections expert, dives into the pitfalls of allowing party members to choose their leaders. He discusses how this shift has warped British democracy, spotlighting figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Liz Truss. The conversation highlights the historical evolution of leadership selection in Labour and Conservative parties, revealing the tension between grassroots members and parliamentary representation. Saunders also proposes alternatives like open primaries, questioning the legitimacy of the current system and its impact on political stability.

In this discussion, astrophysicist Chris Lintott unpacks the fascinating Steady State Theory, a rival to the Big Bang model that gained traction in the mid-20th century. He examines why famed advocate Fred Hoyle was so devoted to it and how it challenged the limitations of the Big Bang theory. Lintott also delves into the philosophical implications and the human tendency to cling to ideas despite contradicting evidence. Listeners are treated to a thought-provoking look at scientific hubris and the ever-evolving nature of cosmological understanding.

Ayse Zarakol, a world historian, delves into the provocative idea of 'The End of History,' originally popularized by Francis Fukuyama. The discussion uncovers how this notion overlooked the complexities of global ideologies and the resurgence of rival narratives. Zarakol critiques the cyclical versus linear perspectives of history, revealing how modernity often misses timeless human experiences. The conversation also links historical cycles with current climate and political challenges, asserting the importance of human agency in shaping future narratives.

David is joined by Alan Finlayson, a political philosopher known for his insights on modernization and its societal implications. They delve into how politicians often misinterpret modernization, leading to superficial changes driven by new technology. The discussion critiques the colonial undertones of imposing Western ideologies and reflects on the societal progress versus individual struggles seen in historical events. The conversation also questions the authenticity of modern governance amid rapid technological advancements and shifting political dynamics.

Alan Finlayson, a political philosopher, dives deep into the concept of the 'marketplace of ideas.' He critiques the traditional view of idea competition and explores how ideas evolve from St. Paul’s interactions in Athens to today's digital dialogues. The discussion highlights the role of 'ideological entrepreneurs' and the impact of corporate interests on free speech. Finlayson emphasizes how commodifying ideas can dilute authentic discourse, raising important questions about democracy and individual freedom in our modern world.

For our latest bad idea with an interesting history David talks to the geneticist and science writer Adam Rutherford about what’s wrong with Nobel Prizes. Why do we revere the winners of the science prizes when we know how contrived the other prizes are? What makes us so attached to this relic of an outmoded idea of scientific progress? And what happens when someone is struck down with ‘Nobelitis’?Looking for Christmas presents? We have a special Xmas gift offer: give a subscription to PPF+ and your recipient will also receive a personally inscribed copy of David’s new book The History of Ideas. PPF merch available too! Find out more at https://www.ppfideas.com/giftsNext up on Bad Ideas: The Marketplace of Ideas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To kick off our new series on the history of bad ideas David talks to historian Sophie Scott-Brown about the idea of ‘the silent majority’, beloved by American presidents from Nixon to Trump. Where does this idea come from? Is it conservative or revolutionary? If the majority are actually silent, how can anyone know what they are thinking? And aren’t the silent majority really the dead?Looking for Christmas presents? We have a special Xmas gift offer: give a subscription to PPF+ and your recipient will also receive a personally inscribed copy of David’s new book The History of Ideas. Find out more https://www.ppfideas.com/giftsNext up on Bad Ideas: Nobel Prizes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices