Thinking Allowed

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Thinking Allowed: Rules and Order

Rules and Order

BBC Radio 4 - Thinking Allowed, Rules and Order

Are we are more orderly society than in the past?

Laurie Taylor asks if we have become a more orderly, rule-bound society and explores the history of rules and regulations.

Rules & Order: Laurie Taylor talks to Tim Newburn, Professor of Criminology and Social Policy at the LSE,  about the social history of ‘orderly Britain’ – the way in which we’ve resolved everyday problems, from dog fouling to smoking and queuing. They’re joined by Lorraine Daston, Director Emeritus at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, who traces the development of rules in the Western tradition, ones which have set out work hours, dictated how we set the table, told us whether to offer an extended hand or cheek in greeting, and organised the rituals of life.  Why do we need such rules and could we live without them? 

Producer: Jayne Egerton

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