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Thinking Allowed: Ambivalent atheism; Neoliberalism and old age

28/10/2015

Ambivalent atheism; Neoliberalism and old age

BBC Radio 4 - Thinking Allowed, Ambivalent atheism; Neoliberalism and old age

Laurie Taylor explores forms of non-religious culture and identification.

Laurie Taylor explores forms of non-religious culture and identification. Also, the impact of neoliberalism on old age and retirement.

Ambivalent atheism: Laurie Taylor talks to Lois Lee, Research Associate with the Institute of Advanced Studies at University College, London, and author of a study of non religious people. In the UK today a variety of identity labels exist which articulate non belief -atheist, agnostic, humanist, secular, rationalist, free thinker and sceptic. Most of these terms are associated with organised and activist forms of non religion. But what of the ambivalent atheist, whose beliefs may be fuzzier, less clear cut? They're joined by the philosopher, Julian Baggini.

Also, old age and neoliberalism. John Macnicol, Visiting Professor of Social Policy at the London School of Economics, & one of Europe's leading academic analysts of old age and ageing, asks if the idea of retirement is being replaced by the belief that citizens should (or be forced to) work later in life. In a harsher economy is the notion of old age, as a protected stage of life, becoming increasingly anachronistic?

Producer: Jayne Egerton.

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