Original version

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)

Migrated podcast image for: A History of Ideas

A History of Ideas

Documentaries

Factual

Factual: History

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the work of key philosophers and their theories.

BBC Radio 4 LW

A History of Ideas: Why Are Things Beautiful?

Why Are Things Beautiful?

17/11/2014

BBC Radio 4 - A History of Ideas, Why Are Things Beautiful?

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss different ideas of beauty.

Melvyn Bragg is joined by mathematician Vicky Neale, historian of science Simon Schaffer and philosophers Barry Smith and Angie Hobbs to discuss different ideas about beauty.

A new history of ideas presented by Melvyn Bragg but told in many voices.

Melvyn is joined by four guests with different backgrounds to discuss a really big question. This week he's asking 'Why are things beautiful?'

Helping him answer it are Mathematician Vicky Neale, historian of science Simon Schaffer and philosophers Barry Smith and Angie Hobbs.

For the rest of the week Vicky, Simon, Barry and Angie will take us further into the history of ideas about beauty with programmes of their own.

Between them they will examine the mathematics of beauty, whether beauty has moral force, whether beauty can be explained in evolutionary terms and how David Hume developed a theory of good taste.

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

A History of Ideas

Why Are Things Beautiful?

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4