Writing the Universe

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Documentaries

Factual: Science & Nature

Robin Ince looks at how authors and astronomers have conveyed the wonders of the cosmos.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Writing the Universe: In the beginning

In the beginning

BBC Radio 4 - Writing the Universe, In the beginning

Robin Ince explores how writers have told the story of the big bang.

Robin Ince explores ideas around the birth of the universe and wonders whether the phrase 'the big bang' has helped us understand how the cosmos came about.

From Shakespeare to Milton, writers have long been preoccupied with the birth of the universe, but there's still so much uncertainty about how the cosmos came into being. The phrase 'the big bang' is now part of our everyday language, but the astronomer Fred Hoyle coined the expression in frustration at the idea the universe burst into being and remained adamant throughout his career that it could never have happened.

So has the idea of a big bang ultimately proved unhelpful in explaining how the universe was formed? Philosopher and theoretical physicist Sean Carroll explains that not even scientists can agree what the term means, and says it's still not clear whether the big bang was even the kind of giant explosion many of us imagine. 

For cosmologist Carlos Frenk, Dali's melting clocks are the best way of describing a time before time existed, and he explains how art and science are intimately intertwined, while the theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli relies on metaphor to explain concepts that are often mind-bending in their complexity.

With contributions from fellow Infinite Monkey Cage presenter Brian Cox; physicist and philosopher Sean Carroll; astrophysicist Katie Mack; cosmologist Carlos Frenk, and theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli.

Producer: Marijke Peters

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Soundscape Designer: Jane Watkins

BBC Studios Audio Production

BBC Radio 4

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

Writing the Universe

In the beginning

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4