Desperately Seeking Eternity

But how relevant are these theories of the afterlife to the world we live in now? New developments in science, philosophy and technology threaten to undermine our traditional ideas of eternity - and even threaten to render them obsolete. In this series, five writers set out to explore ideas of eternity, infinity and the afterlife from fresh viewpoints. Does our insistence on measuring and categorising time serve to make eternity even more unknowable? What can the principles of mathematics tell us about the tricky subject of infinity? How would people feel about eternity if they could live to be 200 years old?

Anglican priest, writer and broadcaster Peter Owen-Jones begins the series with a passionate call for eternity to be reclaimed from those - among them both atheist rationalists and dogma-serving priests - who have tried to place it out of our reach.

Producer: Hugh Costello

A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 3.

How eternity should be reclaimed from those who have tried to place it out of our reach.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

But how relevant are these theories of the afterlife to the world we live in now? New developments in science, philosophy and technology threaten to undermine our traditional ideas of eternity - and even threaten to render them obsolete. In this series, five writers set out to explore ideas of eternity, infinity and the afterlife from fresh viewpoints. Does our insistence on measuring and categorising time serve to make eternity even more unknowable? What can the principles of mathematics tell us about the tricky subject of infinity? How would people feel about eternity if they could live to be 200 years old?

Muslim theologian Mona Siddiqui writes that the prospect of immortality, for all its theological grandeur, is too abstract to offer much tangible consolation to the living. So why do so many of us continue to invest our hopes in it?

Producer: Hugh Costello

A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 3.

Muslim theologian Mona Siddiqui speaks on the prospect of immortality.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

But how relevant are these theories of the afterlife to the world we live in now? New developments in science, philosophy and technology threaten to undermine our traditional ideas of eternity - and even threaten to render them obsolete. In this series, five writers set out to explore ideas of eternity, infinity and the afterlife from fresh viewpoints. Does our insistence on measuring and categorising time serve to make eternity even more unknowable? What can the principles of mathematics tell us about the tricky subject of infinity? How would people feel about eternity if they could live to be 200 years old?

Anders Sandberg of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University is a transhumanist. He researches the potential benefits and drawbacks - both physical and ethical - of new technologies that could transform human life. He argues that ageing and mortality may be transformed by future technology, with big effects on our society. How would this affect our outlook on life, and on the afterlife?

Producer: Hugh Costello

A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 3.

Anders Sandberg argues that ageing and mortality may be transformed by future technology.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

But how relevant are these theories of the afterlife to the world we live in now? New developments in science, philosophy and technology threaten to undermine our traditional ideas of eternity - and even threaten to render them obsolete. In this series, five writers set out to explore ideas of eternity, infinity and the afterlife from fresh viewpoints. Does our insistence on measuring and categorising time serve to make eternity even more unknowable? What can the principles of mathematics tell us about the tricky subject of infinity? How would people feel about eternity if they could live to be 200 years old?

Novelist and game creator Naomi Alderman grew up with an Orthodox Jewish take on eternity. She now suspects that mathematical theories about infinity could take the place of God in the lives of those without religious faith.

Producer: Hugh Costello

A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 3.

Novelist and game creator Naomi Alderman spekas on mathematical theories about infinity.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

But how relevant are these theories of the afterlife to the world we live in now? New developments in science, philosophy and technology threaten to undermine our traditional ideas of eternity - and even threaten to render them obsolete. In this series, five writers set out to explore ideas of eternity, infinity and the afterlife from fresh viewpoints. Does our insistence on measuring and categorising time serve to make eternity even more unknowable? What can the principles of mathematics tell us about the tricky subject of infinity? How would people feel about eternity if they could live to be 200 years old?

Lucy Winkett, Rector of St James's Church, Piccadilly, is a writer, broadcaster and former professional soprano. She argues that if eternity is already happening, all our efforts to give it a shape and momentum are temporary and ultimately rather futile. Does living with the recognition of eternity change the way we live now?

Producer: Hugh Costello

A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 3.

Lucy Winkett argues efforts to give eternity a shape and momentum are temporary and futile

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.