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In Our Time

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.

In Our Time: Freedom

04/07/2002

Freedom

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Melvyn Bragg considers what it is to be free and how freedom became such a powerful value.

Melvyn Bragg discusses what it is to be free, how freedom became such a powerful value and whether there is such a thing as natural freedom or if it is always culturally defined.

Melvyn Bragg considers what it is to be free and how freedom became such a powerful value. Freedom has been a subject of enquiry for philosophers, theologians and politicians who have attempted to define the conditions required for humans to be free, not just in their minds but in the wider world. Some have argued that man is naturally free and no laws should confine his liberty. Others have countered that laws are the only way to preserve freedom; they protect us from the slavery of the abyss. The very idea of freedom is riddled with constraints, limitations and qualifications, yet it is seen by many as the most basic of human rights and for some as a principle worth fighting and dying for. With John Keane, Professor of Politics, University of Westminster; Bernard Williams, Professor of Philosophy, University of California; Annabel Brett, Lecturer in History, University of Cambridge.

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.

The Archive Hour

BBC Radio 4 Extra

A look back at programmes and recordings from the BBC archives

The Archive Hour: Bob and Pete Across the Divide

14/09/2013

Bob and Pete Across the Divide

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Archive Hour, Bob and Pete Across the Divide

Folk legends Pete Seeger and Bob Copper share songs and stories in a historic encounter.

A meeting of two legends from opposite sides of the Atlantic. Pete Seeger and Bob Copper share songs and stories in a historic encounter.

A meeting of two legends of folk music from opposite sides of the Atlantic.  American singer, songwriter and activist Pete Seeger shares songs and stories with English singer and song collector Bob Copper.

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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