In a returning series, Edward Stourton revisits passionate broadcast debates of the 1960s and 70s when keen intellects clashed on matters of real moment. Each programme explores the ideas, the great minds behind them and echoes of the arguments in present-day politics.

The first episode is taken from Prospects of Mankind (1960), a television series chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, the former US first lady. The subject: Britain's place in the rivalry of the cold war.

At 88, Bertrand Russell, one of the greatest 20th-century thinkers, battles for Britain's neutrality in a dangerous world. In Hugh Gaitskell 'the best prime minister we never had', some say, the grand old man of pacifism meets his match. The then leader of the Labour party argues for Britain's continued close relations with the United States and the need for nuclear arms to avert Armageddon.

Should Britain keep a nuclear deterrent? And continue to nurture its 'special relationship' with the White House? The current discussion over Trident was never more relevant.

In the studio dissecting the debate are Tony Benn, whose political career goes back to the Gaitskell days, and Ray Monk, professor of philosophy at Southampton University and Russell's biographer.

Producer: Dominic Byrne
A Blakeway production for BBC Radio 4. Show less