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BBC Radio 4 FM

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

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A History of Ideas

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Factual

Factual: History

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

BBC Radio 4 LW

A History of Ideas: Catharine Edwards on Seneca and facing death.

Simon Schaffer on Humans, Apes and Carl Linnaeus

Catharine Edwards on Seneca and facing death.

BBC Radio 4 - A History of Ideas, Catharine Edwards on Seneca and facing death.

Only humans know they will die. Catharine Edwards on the Stoic philosopher Seneca

A History of Ideas: What makes me human? Only humans know they are going to die. Dealing with this makes us truly human. Catharine Edwards on the Stoic philosopher Seneca.

Catharine Edwards wants to introduce you to the Roman Philosopher Seneca. But he's dying. Towards the end of his life Seneca became interested in the idea that only human beings had foreknowledge of their own death. Animals didn't know and Gods didn't die. This singular piece of knowledge gives human life its meaning as well as its burden. Seneca argued that to liberate yourself from the fear of death was a vital part of life. But did his own famous death live up to his beliefs?

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

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A History of Ideas

Catharine Edwards on Seneca and facing death.

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