In Our Time Podcast
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.
Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Melvyn Bragg and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world.
History fans can learn about pivotal wars and societal upheavals, such as the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Sack of Rome in 1527, and the political intrigue of the Russian Revolution. Those fascinated by the lives of kings and queens can journey to Versailles to meet Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV the Sun King, or to Ancient Egypt to meet Cleopatra and Nerfertiti. Or perhaps you’re looking to explore the history of religion, from Buddhism’s early teachings to the Protestant Reformation.
If you’re interested in the stories behind iconic works of art, music and literature, dive in to discussions on the artistic genius of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers. From Gothic architecture to the works of Shakespeare, each episode of In Our Time offers new insight into humanity’s cultural achievements.
Those looking to enrich their scientific knowledge can hear episodes on black holes, the Periodic Table, and classical theories of gravity, motion, evolution and relativity. Learn how the discovery of penicillin revolutionised medicine, and how the death of stars can lead to the formation of new planets.
Lovers of philosophy will find episodes on the big issues that define existence, from free will and ethics, to liberty and justice. In what ways did celebrated philosophers such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Karl Marx push forward radical new ideas? How has the concept of karma evolved from the ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism to today? What was Plato’s concept of an ideal republic, and how did he explore this through the legend of the lost city of Atlantis?
In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.
Episodes to download
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Animal Experiments and Rights
Thu 18 Mar 1999
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the role of animals in humankind’s search for knowledge.
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History as Science
Thu 11 Mar 1999
Melvyn Bragg examines the importance of geography and ecology in shaping world history.
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Shakespeare and Literary Criticism
Thu 4 Mar 1999
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the enduring popular and academic appeal of Shakespeare.
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The Avant Garde's Decline and Fall in the 20th Century
Thu 25 Feb 1999
Melvyn Bragg examines the history and legacy of 20th Century Avant Garde painting.
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Space in Religion and Science
Thu 18 Feb 1999
Melvyn Bragg looks at how cyberspace has introduced a new concept of space in our world.
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Language and the Mind
Thu 11 Feb 1999
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss whether the formation of language is innate or cultural.
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Psychoanalysis and its Legacy
Thu 4 Feb 1999
Melvyn Bragg examines the relevance of psychoanalysis at the end of the 20th century.
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Ageing
Thu 28 Jan 1999
Melvyn Bragg looks at the ethical, economic and biological implications of living longer.
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Modern Culture
Thu 21 Jan 1999
Melvyn Bragg examines the definition and state of modern culture in the 20th century.
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Genetic Engineering
Thu 14 Jan 1999
Melvyn Bragg examines the implications of the developments in genetic engineering.
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Feminism
Thu 7 Jan 1999
Melvyn Bragg examines the development of the empowerment of women in the 20th century.
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The British Empire's Legacy
Thu 31 Dec 1998
Melvyn Bragg examines the impact of Britain’s colonial past on its current identity.
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Neuroscience in the 20th century
Christmas Eve 1998
Melvyn Bragg examines the little we know and what we don’t yet know about the brain.
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The American Century
Thu 17 Dec 1998
Melvyn Bragg examines how legitimate it is to call the 20th century the American century.
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Cultural Rights in the 20th Century
Thu 10 Dec 1998
Melvyn Bragg examines what impact globalisation has had on human rights.
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History's relevance in the 20th century
Thu 3 Dec 1998
Melvyn Bragg considers the relevance of the study of history in the 20th century.
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Work in the 20th Century
Thu 26 Nov 1998
Melvyn Bragg examines the changing ideas about the function of work in the 20th century.
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The Brain and Consciousness
Thu 19 Nov 1998
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss our knowledge of memory and the functioning of the brain.
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The City in the 20th Century
Thu 12 Nov 1998
Melvyn Bragg looks at the innovative developments of the city in the 20th century.
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Science in the 20th century
Thu 5 Nov 1998
Melvyn Bragg examines how perceptions of science have changed in the 20th century.
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Science's Revelations
Thu 29 Oct 1998
Melvyn Bragg examines whether science has ruined our sense of poetic wonder at the world.
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Politics in the 20th Century
Thu 22 Oct 1998
Melvyn Bragg discusses politics and morality with Gore Vidal and Alan Clarke.
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War in the 20th Century
Thu 15 Oct 1998
Melvyn Bragg explores ideas that have influenced 20th century human rights and warfare.
In Our Time podcasts
Download programmes from the huge In Our Time archive.
The In Our Time Listeners' Top 10
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Arts and Ideas podcast
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