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A big idea that shapes how we understand our place in the world - from the idea’s creator.

What are the big ideas shaping our world?  This new series from the BBC World Service picks the best ideas from economics to psychology, neuroscience to philosophy, political science to anthropology, and makes them easy to digest.

Each episode of "The Big Idea" outlines the important idea through the words of the person who’s developed the theory. In just nine minutes we offer a weekly chance to listen and feel just a little bit wiser.

The Big Idea: Social physics

Social Physics

21/04/2018 GMT

Social physics

BBC World Service - The Big Idea, Social physics

What can data tell us about the success of cities?

What can data tell us about cities?  Sandy Pentland has the ingredients for a city’s success.

Professor Sandy Pentland is the modern pioneer of what’s called ‘Social Physics’ - the analysis of human interactions using so called Big Data. Mining data - from credit cards, electronic ticketing and mobile phones - we can now take a reading of the city, its pulse.  Sandy Pentland tells us why some cities are richer and more successful than others. 

Presented by David Edmonds

(Image: Busy City scene at night, Credit: Getty Images)

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