Human Nature

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the vexing issue of human nature. Some argue that we are born as blank slates and our natures are defined by upbringing, experience, culture and the ideas of our time. Others believe that human nature is innate and pre-destined, regardless of time and place. Is there really such a thing as human nature? And, if there is, can it be changed? Does the truth about human nature mean we should stop striving for progress, or should it give us cause for optimism? How important is the human race in the wider scheme of things? With Steven Pinker, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Centre of Cognitive Neuroscience, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Janet Radcliffe Richards, Philosopher, Reader in Bioethics, University College London; John Gray, Professor of European Thought, London School of Economics.

→ Play on BBC Sounds website

Guests

• Steven Pinker 2 episodes
  Professor of Psychology and Director of the Centre of Cognitive Neuroscience, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Janet Radcliffe Richards 5 episodes
  Philosopher, Reader in Bioethics, University College London
• John Gray No other episodes
  Professor of European Thought, London School of Economics

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Programme ID: p00548kf

Episode page: bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00548kf

Auto-category: 150 (Psychology)