The Ideas That Make Us

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. In this, the first programme of the series, Bettany investigates the idea of 'idea' with neuroscientist Professor Faraneh Vargha-Khadem, classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, historian Dr. Stephen Pigney and specialist in intellectual property law, Professor Tanya Aplin.

Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, hospitality and peace.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes' archaeology of philosophy. Who came up with the idea of an idea?

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. In this, the first programme of the series, Bettany investigates the idea of 'idea' with neuroscientist Professor Faraneh Vargha-Khadem, classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, historian Dr. Stephen Pigney and specialist in intellectual property law, Professor Tanya Aplin.

Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, hospitality and peace.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes' archaeology of philosophy. Who came up with the idea of an idea?

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

The Ideas That Make Us is a new Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. In this, the second of five programmes, Bettany investigates the idea of fame with philosopher Angie Hobbs, British Museum curator Dr Irving Finkel, historian Stella Tillyard and YouTuber Benjamin Cook.

Other ideas examined in the first series are desire, agony, fame and justice. Wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and guest-host friendship will be explored in January 2014.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes considers the fame game through the ages.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

The Ideas That Make Us is a new Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. In this, the third of five programmes, Bettany explores the idea of love with philosopher Angie Hobbs, historians Professor Kate Cooper and William Dalrymple, and neuroscientist Faraneh Vargha-Khadem.

Other ideas examined in the first series are desire, agony, fame and justice. Wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and guest-host friendship will be explored in January 2014.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes explores the influence of Eros through the ages.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. Here Bettany explores the idea of agony with cricket columnist Gideon Haigh, classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, philosopher Martin Warner and kate Mosse, best-selling author of 'Labyrinth' and 'The Taxidermist's Daughter'.

Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are idea, desire, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, hospitality and peace.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany explores ideas of agony, from conflict on the sports field to battles of the heart

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. Here Bettany explores the idea of agony with cricket columnist Gideon Haigh, classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, philosopher Martin Warner and kate Mosse, best-selling author of 'Labyrinth' and 'The Taxidermist's Daughter'.

Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are idea, desire, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, hospitality and peace.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany explores ideas of agony, from conflict on the sports field to battles of the heart

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

The Ideas That Make Us is a new Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. In this, the last of five programmes, Bettany explores the idea of justice with philosopher Angie Hobbs, British Museum curator Dr Irving Finkel, historian Dr Peter Frankopan and out-going Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge.

Other ideas examined in the first series are desire, agony, fame and justice. Wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and guest-host friendship will be explored in January 2014.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes investigates ideas of justice, from Babylon to the Old Bailey.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes examines changing ideas of liberty by allowing a neuroscientist to take control of her brain and by perusing the pornography of the French Revolution.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have shaped the human experience. In the first programme of this series, Bettany examines changing ideas of liberty with neuroscientist Professor Patrick Haggard, classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, historian Dr. Stephen Pigney and Ruth Porter from the Institute of Economic Affairs.

Other ideas examined in this series are comedy, hospitality, wisdom and peace.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes examines changing ideas of liberty in her archaeology of philosophy.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have shaped the human experience. In the second programme of this series, Bettany considers changing ideas of comedy with neuroscientist Dr Sophie Scott, Assyriologist Dr. Irving Finkel, Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company Gregory Doran, and comedian John Lloyd.

Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, liberty, hospitality and peace.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany listens to a rat laughing and giggles at schoolboy jokes from Ancient Mesopotamia.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers changing ideas of comedy by listening to a rat laughing and by giggling at schoolboy jokes from Ancient Mesopotamia.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have shaped the human experience. In the second programme of this series, Bettany considers changing ideas of comedy with neuroscientist Dr Sophie Scott, Assyriologist Dr. Irving Finkel, Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company Gregory Doran, and comedian John Lloyd.

Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, liberty, hospitality and peace.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany listens to a rat laughing and giggles at schoolboy jokes from Ancient Mesopotamia.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes samples changing ideas of hospitality by gazing into outer space and by inviting poet and author Ben Okri 'round to her house for supper.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and shaped the human experience. In the third programme of this series, Bettany samples changing ideas of hospitality with astronomer Professor Didier Queloz, classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, poet and author Ben Okri and former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty and peace.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany gazes into outer space and invites poet Ben Okri round to her house for supper.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes samples changing ideas of hospitality by gazing into outer space and by inviting poet and author Ben Okri 'round to her house for supper.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and shaped the human experience. In the third programme of this series, Bettany samples changing ideas of hospitality with astronomer Professor Didier Queloz, classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, poet and author Ben Okri and former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty and peace.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany gazes into outer space and invites poet Ben Okri round to her house for supper.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes enquires into changing ideas of wisdom by watching a football match and going to a synagogue to hear the Song of Deborah being sung.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have shaped the human experience. In the fourth programme of this series, Bettany enquires into changing ideas of wisdom with footballer Eniola Aluko, philosopher Professor Angie Hobbs, Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, and papyrologist Professor Dirk Obbink.

Other ideas examined in this series are liberty, comedy, hospitality and peace.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany attends a women's football game and visits a synagogue to hear the Song of Deborah

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes explores changing ideas of peace through images of war-torn Syria and by talking to a man on the brink of death.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have shaped the human experience. Here Bettany explores changing ideas of peace with photojournalist Paul Conroy, historians Dr. David Gwynn and Dr. Faisal Devji, Consultant in Palliative Medicine Emily Collis and Davor Seselj.

Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, and hospitality.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes explores changing ideas of peace in her archaeology of philosophy.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes explores changing ideas of peace through images of war-torn Syria and by talking to a man on the brink of death.

The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.

In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have shaped the human experience. Here Bettany explores changing ideas of peace with photojournalist Paul Conroy, historians Dr. David Gwynn and Dr. Faisal Devji, Consultant in Palliative Medicine Emily Collis and Davor Seselj.

Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, and hospitality.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes explores changing ideas of peace in her archaeology of philosophy.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes examines her psyche in her archaeology of philosophy.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award--winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany investigates her psyche and those of philosopher Angie Hobbs, Byzantinist
Dr Dionysios Stathakopoulos, writer and broadcaster Lisa Appignanesi and neuroscientist Patrick Haggard. Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Other ideas examined in series include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, charisma, irony, nemesis and virtue.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes examines her psyche by lying on Sigmund Freud's famous couch.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes examines her psyche in her archaeology of philosophy.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award--winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany investigates her psyche and those of philosopher Angie Hobbs, Byzantinist
Dr Dionysios Stathakopoulos, writer and broadcaster Lisa Appignanesi and neuroscientist Patrick Haggard. Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Other ideas examined in series include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, charisma, irony, nemesis and virtue.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes examines her psyche by lying on Sigmund Freud's famous couch.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes investigates charisma at The Acropolis, in a recording session with Live Aid founder Bob Geldof and on the pages of a best-selling novel with author Ben Okri.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award--winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany investigates charisma with classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, Byzantinist Dr Dionysios Stathakopoulos, Live Aid founder Bob Geldof, sociologist Professor Linda Woodhead and writer Ben Okri.

Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Ideas examined in the first series, in September 2013, were idea, desire, agony, fame and justice. The second series, in January 2014, considered wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and hospitality. Other ideas in this series are psyche, irony, nemesis and virtue.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes investigates charisma in her archaeology of philosophy.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes investigates charisma at The Acropolis, in a recording session with Live Aid founder Bob Geldof and on the pages of a best-selling novel with author Ben Okri.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award--winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany investigates charisma with classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, Byzantinist Dr Dionysios Stathakopoulos, Live Aid founder Bob Geldof, sociologist Professor Linda Woodhead and writer Ben Okri.

Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Ideas examined in the first series, in September 2013, were idea, desire, agony, fame and justice. The second series, in January 2014, considered wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and hospitality. Other ideas in this series are psyche, irony, nemesis and virtue.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes investigates charisma in her archaeology of philosophy.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes examines irony in her archaeology of philosophy in a club where it's banned and in the studios of Radio 4's Today programme.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double expresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany considers irony with philosopher Angie Hobbs, comedian Robert Newman, and grand inquisitor John Humphrys. Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Ideas examined in the first series, in September 2013, were idea, desire, agony, fame and justice. The second series, in January 2014, considered wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and hospitality. Other ideas in this series are psyche, charisma, nemesis and virtue.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes examines irony in her archaeology of philosophy.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes examines irony in her archaeology of philosophy in a club where it's banned and in the studios of Radio 4's Today programme.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double expresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany considers irony with philosopher Angie Hobbs, comedian Robert Newman, and grand inquisitor John Humphrys. Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Ideas examined in the first series, in September 2013, were idea, desire, agony, fame and justice. The second series, in January 2014, considered wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and hospitality. Other ideas in this series are psyche, charisma, nemesis and virtue.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes examines irony in her archaeology of philosophy.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes pursues nemesis in her archaeology of philosophy on the streets of ancient Athens, in the gym and with experts on counterterrorism and climate change.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double expresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award--winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programmes Bettany pursues nemesis with classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, Buddhist scholar Dr Sarah Shaw, Colonel Tim Collins who in March 2003 led British troops into Iraq, and climate change scientist Dr Simon Lewis. Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Ideas examined in the first series, in September 2013, were idea, desire, agony, fame and justice. The second series, in January 2014, considered wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and hospitality. Other ideas in this series are psyche, charisma, irony and virtue.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes pursues nemesis on the streets of ancient Athens.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes pursues nemesis in her archaeology of philosophy on the streets of ancient Athens, in the gym and with experts on counterterrorism and climate change.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double expresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award--winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programmes Bettany pursues nemesis with classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, Buddhist scholar Dr Sarah Shaw, Colonel Tim Collins who in March 2003 led British troops into Iraq, and climate change scientist Dr Simon Lewis. Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Ideas examined in the first series, in September 2013, were idea, desire, agony, fame and justice. The second series, in January 2014, considered wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and hospitality. Other ideas in this series are psyche, charisma, irony and virtue.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes pursues nemesis on the streets of ancient Athens.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers virtue at a club for the English aristocracy, with a former Greek Minister of Finance, and with an aid worker just back from an ebola zone in Sierra Leone.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award--winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores virtue with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including philosopher Angie Hobbs, writer and historian Stella Tillyard, former Greek Finance Minister Petros Doukas, and Oxfam's Head of Water and Sanitation Andy Bastaple. Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Ideas examined in the first series, in September 2013, were idea, desire, agony, fame and justice. The second series, in January 2014, considered wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and hospitality. Other ideas in this series are psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes considers virtue in her archaeology of philosophy.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers virtue at a club for the English aristocracy, with a former Greek Minister of Finance, and with an aid worker just back from an ebola zone in Sierra Leone.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award--winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores virtue with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including philosopher Angie Hobbs, writer and historian Stella Tillyard, former Greek Finance Minister Petros Doukas, and Oxfam's Head of Water and Sanitation Andy Bastaple. Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Ideas examined in the first series, in September 2013, were idea, desire, agony, fame and justice. The second series, in January 2014, considered wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and hospitality. Other ideas in this series are psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Bettany Hughes considers virtue in her archaeology of philosophy.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers changing ideas about character at an ancient Greek palace, in a library, at a political think-tank, in a centre of neuroscience and in a prison kitchen.

This surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, has been described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores character with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including archaeologist Michael Cosmopoulos, writer and historian Hannah Dawson, classicist Paul Cartledge and neuroscientist Patrick Haggard. Bettany travels to a major new archaeological excavation Greece to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives, including the Fellows' Library At Clare college in Cambridge, The Adam Smith Institute in Westminster and the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London.

Other ideas in this series are harmony, narcissism, technology and hubris. Ideas examined previously include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, virtue, psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Readings: Sean Baker

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Street philosophy with Bettany Hughes, and changing ideas of character through the ages.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers changing ideas about character at an ancient Greek palace, in a library, at a political think-tank, in a centre of neuroscience and in a prison kitchen.

This surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, has been described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores character with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including archaeologist Michael Cosmopoulos, writer and historian Hannah Dawson, classicist Paul Cartledge and neuroscientist Patrick Haggard. Bettany travels to a major new archaeological excavation Greece to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives, including the Fellows' Library At Clare college in Cambridge, The Adam Smith Institute in Westminster and the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London.

Other ideas in this series are harmony, narcissism, technology and hubris. Ideas examined previously include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, virtue, psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Readings: Sean Baker

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Street philosophy with Bettany Hughes, and changing ideas of character through the ages.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

This surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, has been described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores harmony with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including Chinese soprano Beibei Wang, conductor Peter Knapp, philosopher Angie Hobbs, art historian Pippa Shirley, gardener Andy Flitney and Royal Navy chaplain Stu Hallam. Bettany reveals where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives, including Blackheath Halls in South East London and Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire.

Other ideas in this series are character, narcissism, technology and hubris. Ideas examined previously include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and hospitality, virtue, psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Readings: Sean Baker

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Street philosophy with Bettany Hughes, and changing ideas about harmony through the ages.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers changing ideas about harmony at an operas rehearsal, in a garden, in mythology and on the battlefield.

This surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, has been described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores harmony with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including Chinese soprano Beibei Wang, conductor Peter Knapp, philosopher Angie Hobbs, art historian Pippa Shirley, gardener Andy Flitney and Royal Navy chaplain Stu Hallam. Bettany reveals where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives, including Blackheath Halls in South East London and Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire.

Other ideas in this series are character, narcissism, technology and hubris. Ideas examined previously include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and hospitality, virtue, psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Readings: Sean Baker

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Street philosophy with Bettany Hughes, and changing ideas about harmony through the ages.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers changing ideas about narcissism at a hairdresser's, on a therapist's couch, in mythology, in Victorian society and on our mobile phones.

This surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, has been described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores narcissism with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including philosopher Angie Hobbs, Oscar Wilde's grandson Merlin Holland and psychotherapist Philippa Perry. Bettany reveals where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Other ideas in this series are character, harmony, technology and hubris. Ideas examined previously include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, virtue, psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Readings: Sean Baker

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Street philosophy with Bettany Hughes, and changing ideas about narcissism through time.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers changing ideas about narcissism at a hairdresser's, on a therapist's couch, in mythology, in Victorian society and on our mobile phones.

This surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, has been described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores narcissism with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including philosopher Angie Hobbs, Oscar Wilde's grandson Merlin Holland and psychotherapist Philippa Perry. Bettany reveals where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Other ideas in this series are character, harmony, technology and hubris. Ideas examined previously include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, virtue, psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Readings: Sean Baker

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Street philosophy with Bettany Hughes, and changing ideas about narcissism through time.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers changing ideas about technology at an archaeological dig, in mythology, at an electrical shop and in the future.

This surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, has been described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores technology with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including philosopher Angie Hobbs, anthropologist Deborah Ruscillo, and historian Hannah Dawson and Yuval Harari author of Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow. Bettany reveals where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives, including a newly excavated Bronze Age Palace in Southern Greece.

Other ideas in this series are character, harmony, narcissism and hubris. Ideas examined previously include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, virtue, psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Readings: Sean Baker

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Street philosophy with Bettany Hughes, and changing ideas about technology through time.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers changing ideas about technology at an archaeological dig, in mythology, at an electrical shop and in the future.

This surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, has been described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores technology with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including philosopher Angie Hobbs, anthropologist Deborah Ruscillo, and historian Hannah Dawson and Yuval Harari author of Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow. Bettany reveals where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives, including a newly excavated Bronze Age Palace in Southern Greece.

Other ideas in this series are character, harmony, narcissism and hubris. Ideas examined previously include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, virtue, psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Readings: Sean Baker

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Street philosophy with Bettany Hughes, and changing ideas about technology through time.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers changing ideas about hubris on a building site, at an ancient Greek palace, in literature, in political office, and aboard a replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hinde.

This surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, has been described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores hubris with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including archaeologist Michael Cosmopoulos, classicist Paul Cartledge, historian Anna Whitelock and former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Bettany travels to a new archaeological excavation Greece to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives, including The Fellows' Library at Clare College in Cambridge, the replica of the Golden Hinde on London's South Bank, and in a recording booth where Nick Clegg is recording his memoir Politics: Between the Extremes.

Other ideas in this series are harmony, narcissism, technology and hubris. Ideas examined previously include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, virtue, psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Street philosophy with Bettany Hughes, and changing ideas about hubris through time.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Bettany Hughes considers changing ideas about hubris on a building site, at an ancient Greek palace, in literature, in political office, and aboard a replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hinde.

This surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, has been described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany explores hubris with experts from the humanities and sciences, people who see these big philosophical ideas playing out in their own lives including archaeologist Michael Cosmopoulos, classicist Paul Cartledge, historian Anna Whitelock and former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Bettany travels to a new archaeological excavation Greece to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives, including The Fellows' Library at Clare College in Cambridge, the replica of the Golden Hinde on London's South Bank, and in a recording booth where Nick Clegg is recording his memoir Politics: Between the Extremes.

Other ideas in this series are harmony, narcissism, technology and hubris. Ideas examined previously include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, virtue, psyche, charisma, irony and nemesis.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Street philosophy with Bettany Hughes, and changing ideas about hubris through time.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Do we need chaos in order to progress? Bettany Hughes visits a campaigning teenage refugee from Syria, a theoretical physicist and the Palace of Westminster to discuss.

With Syrian migrant and human rights campaigner Muzoon Almellehan, Conservative MP for Spelthorne Kwasi Kwarteng and theoretical physicist and author of Seven Brief Lessons On Physics, Carlo Rovelli.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Is chaos good or bad? Bettany Hughes explores the place of disruption in our lives.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Do we need chaos in order to progress? Bettany Hughes visits a campaigning teenage refugee from Syria, a theoretical physicist and the Palace of Westminster to discuss.

With Syrian migrant and human rights campaigner Muzoon Almellehan, Conservative MP for Spelthorne Kwasi Kwarteng and theoretical physicist and author of Seven Brief Lessons On Physics, Carlo Rovelli.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Is chaos good or bad? Bettany Hughes explores the place of disruption in our lives.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

How do we feel today about the ancient goddess Gaia? Bettany Hughes visits a giant female earthwork, a modern sky garden and a 98 year old philosopher to assess the relationship.

With Matt Fitch Wildlife Trust manager of the Northumberlandia land sculpture, Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy Angie Hobbs, moral philosopher Mary Midgely and politician, author and environmental campaigner Stanley Johnson.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Do we still believe in Mother Earth? Bettany Hughes examines our relationship with Gaia.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

How do we feel today about the ancient goddess Gaia? Bettany Hughes visits a giant female earthwork, a modern sky garden and a 98 year old philosopher to assess the relationship.

With Matt Fitch Wildlife Trust manager of the Northumberlandia land sculpture, Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy Angie Hobbs, moral philosopher Mary Midgely and politician, author and environmental campaigner Stanley Johnson.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Do we still believe in Mother Earth? Bettany Hughes examines our relationship with Gaia.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Why are we drawn to hope? Bettany Hughes visits a Buddhist Temple, The Palace of Westminster and the UK's largest food bank to find out why we're hard-wired to hope for the best.

With Classicist Paul Cartledge, Buddhist teacher and author of The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down Haemin Sunim, Conservative MP for Spelthorne Kwasi Kwarteng, and Michael Nixon and Brian Edden from the Newcastle West End Foodbank.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Are we hard-wired for hope? Bettany Hughes finds out why we believe things can get better.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

Why are we drawn to hope? Bettany Hughes visits a Buddhist Temple, The Palace of Westminster and the UK's largest food bank to find out why we're hard-wired to hope for the best.

With Classicist Paul Cartledge, Buddhist teacher and author of The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down Haemin Sunim, Conservative MP for Spelthorne Kwasi Kwarteng, and Michael Nixon and Brian Edden from the Newcastle West End Foodbank.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Are we hard-wired for hope? Bettany Hughes finds out why we believe things can get better.

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

We must look back before we can look forward. Bettany Hughes finds out why at an archaeological dig, a memorised musical performance, and a centre for neuropsychological research.

With archaeologist Michael Cosmopoulos, classicist Paul Cartledge, conductor of the Aurora Orchestra Nick Collon, and neuropsychologist Catherine Loveday.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Why does our past hold the key to our future? Bettany Hughes explores our need to remember

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

We must look back before we can look forward. Bettany Hughes finds out why at an archaeological dig, a memorised musical performance, and a centre for neuropsychological research.

With archaeologist Michael Cosmopoulos, classicist Paul Cartledge, conductor of the Aurora Orchestra Nick Collon, and neuropsychologist Catherine Loveday.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Why does our past hold the key to our future? Bettany Hughes explores our need to remember

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

How should we best use our time? Bettany Hughes visits a centre of industry, a 98 year old philosopher and a theoretical physicist to find out.

With John Clayson Keeper of Science and Industry at Newcastle's Discovery Museum, Professor for the Public Understanding of Philosophy Angie Hobbs, 98 year old moral philosopher Mary Midgley, and theoretical physicist and author Seven Brief Lessons on Physics Carlo Rovelli.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Who owns time? Bettany Hughes examines what time means to us and how we can best use it .

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.

How should we best use our time? Bettany Hughes visits a centre of industry, a 98 year old philosopher and a theoretical physicist to find out.

With John Clayson Keeper of Science and Industry at Newcastle's Discovery Museum, Professor for the Public Understanding of Philosophy Angie Hobbs, 98 year old moral philosopher Mary Midgley, and theoretical physicist and author Seven Brief Lessons on Physics Carlo Rovelli.

Producer: Dixi Stewart.

Who owns time? Bettany Hughes examines what time means to us and how we can best use it .

Bettany Hughes reveals the history of civilisation's most influential ideas.