Bertrand Russell argues that man needs personal morality to guide his conduct and must learn to be critical of tribal customs and beliefs that may be generally accepted. Show more
The Reith Lectures
Bertrand Russell - Authority and the Individual
Control and Initiative: Their Respective Spheres
30 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LW
Available for over a year
Bertrand Russell considers what matters should be controlled by the state in a progressive society, and what should be left to private initiative, in his fifth Reith lecture. Show more
Bertrand Russell considers the importance of individual initiative to a community, and argues for more local autonomy, and less centralisation, in his third Reith lecture. Show more
The Reith Lectures
Bertrand Russell - Authority and the Individual
The Conflict of Technique and Human Nature
30 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LW
Available for over a year
Bertrand Russell examines the part human nature has played in the development of civilised society, and how it can be exploited for society's good, in his fourth Reith lecture. Show more
Bertrand Russell examines social cohesion throughout history, and considers the effects of increasing state control, as exemplified by Soviet Russia, in his second Reith lecture. Show more
The philosopher, mathematician, and social reformer Bertrand Russell gives the inaugural Reith lectures, and in his first lecture, examines the role of impulses in human nature. Show more