The Reith Lectures Episodes Episode guide

The psychiatrist Dr George Carstairs examines social anthropology patterns.

George Carstairs - This Island Now homepage

Margery Perham, lecturer on African affairs, considers the effects of colonialism.

Margery Perham - The Colonial Reckoning homepage

Art historian Edgar Wind explores the effect of turmoil on creativity.

Edgar Wind - Art and Anarchy homepage

The biologist Peter Medawar examines how humans might continue to evolve in the future.

Peter Medawar - The Future of Man homepage

Professor Bernard Lovell examines the history of inquiry into the origins of the universe.

Bernard Lovell - The Individual and the Universe homepage

The American diplomat George Kennan examines relations between Russia and the West.

George Kennan - Russia, the Atom and the West homepage

Physicist and Nobel-prize winner Edward Appleton examines scientific activity in Britain.

Edward Appleton - Science and the Nation homepage

Historian Nikolaus Pevsner considers some of the defining characteristics of English art.

Nikolaus Pevsner - The Englishness of English Art homepage

The civil servant Oliver Franks considers Britain's changing political relationships.

Oliver Franks - Britain and the Tide of World Affairs homepage

Robert Oppenheimer examines the impact of quantum and atomic theory on society.

Robert Oppenheimer - Science and the Common Understanding homepage

The historian Arnold Toynbee considers how non-westerners view the western world.

Arnold Toynbee - The World and the West homepage

The lawyer Lord Radcliffe examines the features of democratic society.

Cyril Radcliffe - Power and the State homepage

Neurophysiologist J Z Young examines the scientific methods used to understand the brain.

John Zachary Young - Doubt and Certainty in Science homepage

Robert Birley considers the history and future of Britain's involvement with Europe.

Robert Birley - Britain in Europe: Reflections on the Development of a European Society homepage

Philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell gives the inaugural Reith lecture series.

Bertrand Russell - Authority and the Individual homepage

Forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead addresses questions about violent behaviour.

Gwen Adshead - Four Questions about Violence homepage