BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

In Doubt We Trust

In Doubt We Trust: Episode 1

Documentaries

Factual

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - In Doubt We Trust, Episode 1

Mark Vernon asks whether we have lost our ability to doubt well.

Mark Vernon asks if immediacy of information and knowledge has fooled people into thinking that they have all the answers and do not need to challenge or doubt their actions.

Are we fooled into thinking we know it all? Has the immediacy of information and knowledge created an illusion that we have all the answers and therefore don't want or feel the need to challenge or doubt our actions and the world around us? 

Mark Vernon came face to face with these issues having studied physics, been ordained in the Church of England and then lost his faith. In this programme he looks at why we have a lust for certainty and are loosing our ability to doubt and question well. "Doubt has become a bad word. It's associated with fear and failure" he says. But how have we arrived at this situation? Why do we feel uneasy if politicians or religious leaders express doubts in public? Mark looks at how this attitude has affected the worlds of politics and finance. And tries to see whether a mistaken view of science and the way our brains work might give us answers.

Producers: Amanda Hancox and Rosie Dawson.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Mark Vernon examines how desire for certainty has affected people's ability to doubt

Mark Vernon examines how desire for certainty has affected people's ability to ask questions and to doubt

Accessibility links

Programme Index

In Doubt We Trust

Episode 1

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4