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Big Ideas (Video)

By TVO

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Podcast Description

Big Ideas offers lectures on a variety of thought-provoking topics which range across politics, culture, economics, art history, science.... By nature of its lecture format, pacing and inquisitive approach, it is the antithesis of the prevailing sound-bite television norm. The simple, bold concept is a victory of substance over style.

Name Description Released Price

1 VideoDallaire and Lewis Q & A following talk on child soldiers Following their PEN Canada discussion on child soldiers, Romeo Dallaire and Stephen Lewis field questions from the audience. 6/1/12 Free View In iTunes

2 VideoMarc D. Lewis Questions and Answers Marc D. Lewis answers questions following his lecture based on his book Memoirs of an Addicted Brain. 6/1/12 Free View In iTunes

3 VideoDr. Marc D. Lewis on Memoirs of an Addicted Brain Dr. Marc D. Lewis discusses the story and the science behind his book Memoirs of an Addicted Brain. Lewis is a professor at the Behavioral Science Institute, part of Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Lewis's book documents the years he spent a 5/25/12 Free View In iTunes

4 VideoLisa Harvey-Smith on the SKA mega-telescope Lisa Harvey-Smith of CSIRO discusses the mega-telescope known as the Square Kilometre Array. CSIRO, the Australian Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation, is part of the continent-spanning next-generation radio telescope project which i 5/18/12 Free View In iTunes

5 VideoAllen J. Frances on The Overdiagnosis of Mental Illness Psychiatrist and author, Allen J. Frances, believes that mental illnesses are being over-diagnosed. In his lecture, Diagnostic Inflation: Does Everyone Have a Mental Illness?, Dr. Frances outlines why he thinks the DSM-V will lead to millions of people b 5/11/12 Free View In iTunes

6 VideoDr. Iain McGilchrist on The Divided Brain Renowned British psychiatrist and author, Iain McGilchrist, delivers a lecture entitled Our Mind at War. Drawing from research in his latest book, The Master and his Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, Dr. McGilchrist explain 5/4/12 Free View In iTunes

7 VideoDavid Healy on Psychopharmacology Psychiatrist David Healy with his lecture Gripped by a Python: How Pharmaceutical Companies Control the Medical Marketplace. The lecture was delivered at Bethune College in Toronto on February 27, 2003. 4/30/12 Free View In iTunes

8 VideoDr. Norman Doidge on Neuroplasticity Psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and best-selling author, Dr. Norman Doidge, on his book, The Brain that Changes Itself, an examination of the most important breakthrough in neuroscience: the discovery of neuroplasticity. His lecture was delivered at the Uni 4/30/12 Free View In iTunes

9 VideoMeloy and Carveth on The Mind of the Psychopath J. Reid Meloy, a clinical professor of psychology at the University of California discusses his research into the mind of the psychopath, based on his years of experience working with incarcerated killers and with the families and victims of psychopaths. 4/30/12 Free View In iTunes

10 VideoGraeme Gibson on Our Human Connection to Nature Graeme Gibson, author of The Bedside Book of Beasts, and recipient of the Order of Canada, explores the ways we humans relate emotionally, imaginatively, and physically to the natural world. His lecture entitled Echoes of a Working Eden, also addresses th 4/27/12 Free View In iTunes

11 VideoFrancis Broun on Artemisia Art historian Francis Broun discusses the work of the 17th century painter Artemisia Gentileschi. Broun explores why Artemisia, who was widely respected in her own time, was forgotten and why she has recently been returned to her rightful place as a groun 4/20/12 Free View In iTunes

12 VideoIan Hacking on The Biosocial Being Philosopher Ian Hacking delivers the 2011 Ioan Davies Memorial Lecture entitled Who Are You? The Biosocial Being. The lecture took place at York University on November 14, 2011. 4/13/12 Free View In iTunes

13 VideoRomeo Dallaire and Stephen Lewis on Child Soldiers Drawing on their vast experiences and first-hand knowledge, distinguished humanitarians Senator Romeo Dallaire and Stephen Lewis, enter into a dialogue about the issues that they have committed their lives to: the eradication of the use of child soldiers 4/6/12 Free View In iTunes

14 VideoDaniel Kahneman on The Machinery of the Mind Daniel Kahneman, author of Thinking, Fast and Slow, on The Machinery of the Mind. Kahneman is Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Public Affairs at Princeton University and the winner of the 2002 Nobel Prize in Economics. 3/30/12 Free View In iTunes

15 VideoDarin Barney on Citizenship in the Technological Republic McGill University professor, Darin Barney, delivers the 2007 Hart House Lecture entitled One Nation Under Google. His lecture looks at many important issues, including how we are used by technology and how technology challenges citizenship. Barney is th 3/28/12 Free View In iTunes

16 VideoGeorge Dyson on the Origins of the Digital Universe Science historian and author (Darwin Among the Machines) George Dyson on the Origins of the Digital Universe. The talk focuses on the work done at The Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton New Jersey by such renowned scientists as John von Neumann and 3/23/12 Free View In iTunes

17 VideoAlberto Manguel on The Screen of Hal Alberto Manguel delivers the final lecture in the 2007 Massey Lecture series, entitled The Screen of Hal. 3/21/12 Free View In iTunes

18 VideoJohn Duffy on the emerging politics of technology John Duffy, advisor to former Prime Minister Paul Martin and founder of StrategyCorp, tackles the subject of The Emerging Politics of Technology in a lecture produced in collaboration with the Literary Review of Canada. Duffy has spent years pondering the 3/16/12 Free View In iTunes

19 VideoSean Martindale on Playful Interventions: Urban Environments Toronto-based public-space artist, Sean Martindale on Playful Interventions: Engaging Our Urban Environments. 3/9/12 Free View In iTunes

20 VideoGraham Farmelo on Paul Dirac and Mathematical Beauty Adjunct Professor of Physics at Northeastern University in Boston, Graham Farmelo, on Paul Dirac and the Religion of Mathematical Beauty. Apart from Einstein, Paul Dirac was probably the greatest theoretical physicist of the 20th century. Dirac, co-invent 3/2/12 Free View In iTunes

21 VideoAdam Gopnik on Remembering Winter Bestselling author, essayist and New Yorker contributor, Adam Gopnik, delivers the fifth installment of the 2011 CBC Massey Lectures, Winter: Five Windows on the Season. In this lecture, entitled Remembering Winter, Gopnik offers a delightful meditation 2/24/12 Free View In iTunes

22 VideoCharles Taylor on Religion and Violence Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Philosophy at McGill University, Charles Taylor, on Religion and Violence. 2/21/12 Free View In iTunes

23 VideoSteven Pinker on Thinking About Our Society Steven Pinker, author of The Better Angels of Our Nature, delivers a lecture entitled Thinking About Our Society: Why Violence Has Declined. 2/17/12 Free View In iTunes

24 VideoCharles Taylor and Jonathan Sacks on The Future of Religion Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Philosophy at McGill University, Charles Taylor and Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, Jonathan Sacks discuss The Future of Religion in a Secular Age. 2/10/12 Free View In iTunes

25 VideoRobert J. Sawyer on Humanity 2.0 What will it mean to be human in the future? Uploading consciousness into virtual worlds and prolonging life through biotechnology are already being contemplated. Canada's leading science fiction writer, Robert J. Sawyer, offers his insights in a lecture 2/3/12 Free View In iTunes

26 VideoSF writer Robert J. Sawyer on humans living forever Following his lecture at the Gardiner Museum, Robert J. Sawyer responded to questions from the audience. This is an excerpt from the Q & A. Sawyer's full lecture, entitled Humanity 2.0, will be broadcast on Big Ideas on February 4, 2012 at 5pm as well 2/1/12 Free View In iTunes

27 VideoRay Jayawardhana on Alien Planets Author and astronomer Ray Jayawardhana discusses Alien Planets and his latest book Strange New Worlds. The lecture focuses on techniques for detecting planets orbiting distant stars. 1/27/12 Free View In iTunes

28 VideoRobert J. Sawyer on the issue of life prolongation Following his lecture at the Gardiner Museum, sci-fi writer Robert J. Sawyer responded to questions from the audience. This is an excerpt from the Q & A. Sawyer's full lecture, entitled Humanity 2.0, will be broadcast on Big Ideas on February 4, 2012 a 1/25/12 Free View In iTunes

29 VideoClay Shirky on Cognitive Surplus Author, teacher and activist, Clay Shirky, discusses the visionary insights of Marshall McLuhan as well as his own ideas about the effects of new media and social networking on our society. Shirky's latest book Cognitive Surplus explores how new technolo 1/20/12 Free View In iTunes

30 VideoSF writer Robert J. Sawyer on Artificial Intelligence Following his lecture at the Gardiner Museum, science fiction writer Robert J. Sawyer responded to questions from the audience. This is an excerpt from the Q & A. Sawyer's full lecture, entitled Humanity 2.0, will be broadcast on Big Ideas on February 1/18/12 Free View In iTunes

31 VideoDavid Brooks on The Social Animal In a lecture entitled How Success Happens, New York Times columnist and author, David Brooks, draws from the research in his latest book The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character and Achievement. His lecture was delivered at the Rotman Sc 1/13/12 Free View In iTunes

32 VideoJulie Payette, Canadian Space Agency Perspectives from Space The Canadian Space Agency's Chief Astronaut, Julie Payette delivers a lecture entitled Canadian Space Agency Perspectives from Space: Research and Diplomacy. 1/6/12 Free View In iTunes

33 VideoRoger Penrose on Twistors and Quantum Non-Locality Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at University of Oxford, Sir Roger Penrose, discusses Twistors and Quantum Non-Locality. 12/30/11 Free View In iTunes

34 VideoThomas Homer-Dixon Questions and Answers Thomas Homer-Dixon answers questions following his lecture entitled Civilization Far From Equilibrium: Energy, Complexity and Human Survival. 12/23/11 Free View In iTunes

35 VideoPalestine and the Arab Spring - Bonus video Bonus video - Moderator Mark Kingwell and panelists Michael Ignatieff and Ramin Jahanbegloo discuss Palestine and The Arab Spring as viewed through the writings of political philosopher Isaiah Berlin 12/23/11 Free View In iTunes

36 VideoKeith Devlin on Leonardo and Steve: How Fibonacci Beat Apple Keith Devlin, Executive Director of the H-STAR Institute at Stanford University, discusses Leonardo and Steve: How Fibonacci Beat Apple to Market by 800 Years 12/16/11 Free View In iTunes

37 VideoJohn Ibbitson on the Collapse of the Laurentian Consensus John Ibbitson, Ottawa bureau chief for The Globe and Mail, delivers a lecture on The Collapse of the Laurentian Consensus and the Rise of Ontario as a Pacific Province. This lecture was produced in collaboration with the Literary Review of Canada. 12/9/11 Free View In iTunes

38 VideoArmine Yalnizyan and William Watson on economic disparity Armine Yalnizyan, senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, and William Watson, McGill economics professor, debate Inequality: A Threat to Democracy? This is the 2011 Keith Davey Forum on Public Affairs, moderated by political sci 12/2/11 Free View In iTunes

39 VideoLiberty and the Arab Spring: Exploring Isaiah Berlin's Ideas Moderator Mark Kingwell and panelists Michael Ignatieff and Ramin Jahanbegloo discuss the writings of political philosopher Isaiah Berlin as they pertain to Liberty and The Arab Spring 12/2/11 Free View In iTunes

40 VideoGaspar Tamas on The Failure of Liberal Democracy Hungarian philosopher, Gaspar Tamas,on The Failure of Liberal Democracy in Eastern Europe and Everywhere Else. His lecture was delivered at the Munk School of Global Affairs on September 20, 2011. Tamas is a prolific writer of essays with a wide-ranging 11/25/11 Free View In iTunes

41 VideoHod Lipson on Programmable Matter: Shape of Things to Come Hod Lipson of Cornell University discusses the future of 3-D printing in his lecture entitled, Programmable Matter: The Shape of Things to Come 11/18/11 Free View In iTunes

42 VideoAlex Himelfarb on the consequences of tax cuts How Did Taxes Become a Bad Word? The Former Clerk of the Privy Council, Alex Himelfarb, discusses why we should be investing more, not less, in our future. While today's political leaders exalt the benefits of increased tax-cutting, Himelfarb argues tha 11/11/11 Free View In iTunes

43 VideoLeonard Susskind on The World As Hologram Leonard Susskind of the Stanford Institute for Theoretical Physics discusses the indestructability of information and the nature of black holes in a lecture entitled The World As Hologram. 11/4/11 Free View In iTunes

44 VideoNoam Chomsky on the State-Corporate Complex Academic, author and political activist, Noam Chomsky, on the State-Corporate Complex: A Threat to Freedom and Survival. Chomsky's lecture was delivered at the Hart House Great Hall at the University of Toronto on April 7, 2011. 10/28/11 Free View In iTunes

45 VideoThomas Homer-Dixon on Civilization Far From Equilibrium Thomas Homer-Dixon presents his lecture Civilization Far From Equilibrium: Energy, Complexity and Human Survival at the Equinox Summit - Energy 2030. 10/21/11 Free View In iTunes

46 VideoJohn Gray on The Immortalization Commission Philosopher and author, John Gray, on The Immortalization Commission: Science and the Strange Quest to Cheat Death. In the late nineteenth century and as a consequence of Darwinism, many thinkers turned to science to solve the riddle of death. Gray expl 10/14/11 Free View In iTunes

47 VideoFreeman Dyson on Living Through Four Revolutions Freeman Dyson, Professor Emeritus at Princeton University delivers a lecture entitled, Living Through Four Revolutions. Dyson discusses Space Technology, Nuclear Energy, the Genome and the Computer Revolution. 10/7/11 Free View In iTunes

48 VideoJeff Melanson on The Evolving Role of the Arts in Canada Jeff Melanson on The Evolving Role of the Arts in Canada. This lecture was produced in collaboration with the Literary Review of Canada and was recorded at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto on May 24, 2011. 9/30/11 Free View In iTunes

49 VideoDavid Keith on Technology, Energy and Nature David Keith, speaking at the Equinox Summit, discusses Technology, Energy and Nature - Human Values and Open Choices. Professor Keith holds the Canada Research Chair in Energy and the Environment. 9/23/11 Free View In iTunes

50 VideoStephen Hawking: The Power of Ideas Ivan Semeniuk, Chief of Corespondents for Nature leads a discussion centered on the ideas and thoughts of Stephen Hawking. Neil Turok, Julie Payette, Rebecca Saxe and S. James Gates, Jr. cover topics including unfied theory, cosmology and colonization of 9/20/11 Free View In iTunes

51 VideoNick Mount interviews novelist Sam Lipsyte University of Toronto English professor, Nick Mount, in conversation with author Sam Lipsyte. The interview was taped following Mount's lecture on Lipsyte's novel Home Land 9/16/11 Free View In iTunes

52 VideoAndrei Markovits on European Anti-Americanism Big Ideas presents University of Michigan professor, Andrei Markovits, on European Anti-Americanism 9/9/11 Free View In iTunes

53 VideoNick Mount on Sam Lipsyte's novel Home Land English professor, Nick Mount, provides insight into Sam Lipsyte's novel Home Land. The lecture was part of the Literature for Our Time series at the University of Toronto. 9/2/11 Free View In iTunes

54 VideoAlexander Nehamas -individual character and ideas of beauty Big Ideas presents Princeton University professor of Philosophy and Comparative Literature, Alexander Nehamas, on how individual character defines our ideas of what is beautiful 8/26/11 Free View In iTunes

55 VideoEric Mazur on Stopping Time Eric Mazur, the Dean of Applied Physics at Harvard University, delivers a lecture entitled, Stopping Time. In it he breaks time down into it's smallest measureable components via photography and developments in laser technology. 8/19/11 Free View In iTunes

56 VideoMichael Hardt on The Politics of Love and Evil Big Ideas presents Duke University Literary Theorist, Michael Hardt, discussing The Politics of Love and Evil 8/12/11 Free View In iTunes

57 VideoJoseph Emerson on The Quantum Tamers Joseph Emerson of the Department of Applied Math at the University of Waterloo on the documentary The Quantum Tamers which he co-produced at the Perimeter Institute 8/5/11 Free View In iTunes

58 VideoJohn O'Leary on Popular, Informal Education Big Ideas presents John O'Leary, the President of Frontier College on Popular, Informal Education: From the Archives of Frontier College 7/29/11 Free View In iTunes

59 VideoThe Age of Unequals: An Evening with Richard Wilkinson Armine Yalnizyan, Jordan Peterson, and Matthew Mendelsohn join epidemiologist Richard Wilkinson to discuss why equality is better for everyone, the theme of Wilkinson's book, The Spirit Level 7/22/11 Free View In iTunes

60 VideoRobert K. Logan on The Origin and Evolution of Language University of Toronto Physics professor Robert K. Logan on The Origin and Evolution of Language and the Emergence of Concepts 7/15/11 Free View In iTunes

61 VideoEnsuring Electricity - Equinox Summit: Energy 2030 Equinox Summit: Energy 2030 - Bill Rosehart, Maria Skyllas-Kazacos, Ted Sargent and Walt Patterson discuss Ensuring Electricity: What Happens If the Lights Go Out? 7/13/11 Free View In iTunes

62 VideoEnergy Blueprint - Equinox Summit: Energy 2030 Equinox Summit: Energy 2030 - Energy Blueprint presentations 7/13/11 Free View In iTunes

63 VideoMarcus Chown on 10 Bonkers Things About the Universe Marcus Chown of New Scientist Magazine on his Top 10 Bonkers Things About the Universe 7/8/11 Free View In iTunes

64 VideoEquinox Summit: Energy 2030, Panel on Efficiency A panel on Investing in Efficiency examines ways to manage energy demand and advance technological ideas that may improve efficiency at every stage of the energy system. Featured panelists are Linda Nazar, Jillian Buriak, Alan Aspuru-Guzik and Cathy Fol 7/6/11 Free View In iTunes

65 VideoKevin B. Anderson, Janet Afary on The Seductions of Islamism Kevin B. Anderson and Janet Afary on their book The Seductions of Islamism: Revisiting Foucault and the Iranian Revolution 7/1/11 Free View In iTunes

66 VideoEquinox Summit: Energy 2030 first plenary session A panel on Building Capacity for the Future examines today's emerging technologies as well as the challenges associated with meeting global demand as we move toward an increasingly electrified energy system. Speakers include Jay Apt, Yacine Kadi, Craig D 6/29/11 Free View In iTunes

67 VideoRenate Loll on the Quantum Origins of Space and Time Renate Loll from Utrecht University's Institute for Theoretical Physics delivers a lecture on Searching for the Quantum Origins of Space and Time. The lecture was recorded at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ontario, on May 5, 2010. 6/24/11 Free View In iTunes

68 VideoEquinox Summit: Benchmarking for Our Energy Future This kick-off session to the Equinox Summit features animated videos and a panel discussion on the themes of electricity generation, distribution, and storage. The energy experts discuss some of the technological challenges and implementation hurdles to 6/22/11 Free View In iTunes

69 VideoAlan Middleton on the History of Branding Big Ideas presents York University professor of Marketing, Alan Middleton, on The History of Branding 6/17/11 Free View In iTunes

70 VideoArne Kislenko on Southeast Asia and the Cold War (Part 2) Big Ideas presents Arne Kislenko, winner of the 2005 Best Lecturer Competition, as he delivers part 2 of his lecture on Triumph and Tragedy: Southeast Asia and the Cold War 6/10/11 Free View In iTunes

71 VideoCory Doctorow Q and A on computer regulation Big Ideas presents Cory Doctorow answering auestions following his lecture, Why it's a Bad Idea to Regulate Computers the Way We Regulate Radios, Guns, Uranium and Other Special-Purpose Tools 6/3/11 Free View In iTunes

72 VideoPeterson and de Sousa debate Living Without the Sacred Philosopher Ronald de Sousa and clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson debate Living Without the Sacred: Should John Lennon's Imagine Become Our Reality? The debate was hosted by the University of Toronto Secular Alliance, and sponsored by TVO's Big Ideas 5/27/11 Free View In iTunes

73 VideoNoam Chomsky on Academic Freedom Noam Chomsky is one of America's leading scholars and intellectuals. He is a professor emeritus of linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His lecture on Academic Freedom and the Corporatization of Universities was delivered at the Uni 5/20/11 Free View In iTunes

74 VideoArne Kislenko on Southeast Asia and the Cold War Big Ideas presents Arne Kislenko, winner of the 2005 Best Lecturer Competition, on Triumph and Tragedy: Southeast Asia and the Cold War 5/13/11 Free View In iTunes

75 VideoCharles Foran on Mordecai Richler and Nationalism Novelist and critic, Charles Foran, delivers a lecture on Mordecai Richler and Canadian Cultural Nationalism. Mr. Foran recently won the 2011 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction for his book Mordecai: The Life & Times. 5/13/11 Free View In iTunes

76 VideoArmine Yalnizyan on Economics, Equality and Democracy Senior economist Armine Yalnizyan examines how growing economic inequality and injustice is affecting democracy. Her lecture, entitled Economics, Equality and Democracy, was produced in collaboration with the Literary Review of Canada. 5/6/11 Free View In iTunes

77 VideoMichael Persinger on No More Secrets Big Ideas presents Michael Persinger, winner of the 2007 Best Lecturer Competition, on Just Suppose You Could Know What Others Are Thinking: No More Secrets 5/6/11 Free View In iTunes

78 VideoChristopher W. diCarlo on The New Ethics Big Ideas presents Christopher W. diCarlo, winner of the 2008 Best Lecturer Competition, on The New Ethics: A Synthetic Approach to Understanding Good and Evil. 4/29/11 Free View In iTunes

79 VideoCory Doctorow on Why it's a Bad Idea to Regulate Computers Big Ideas presents Cory Doctorow on Why it's a Bad Idea to Regulate Computers the Way We Regulate Radios, Guns, Uranium and Other Special-Purpose Tools 4/29/11 Free View In iTunes

80 VideoPiergiorgio Odifreddi on the Arts and Mathematics Italian mathematician, Dr. Piergiorgio Odifreddi, asks What Can the Arts Do for Mathematics? In this illustrated talk, he'll examine the deep and close relationships between the objects of mathematics and of the arts. This lecture was co-sponsored by the 4/21/11 Free View In iTunes

81 VideoRod Carley on Theatre in the 21st Century Big Ideas presents Rod Carley, winner of the 2009 Best Lecturer Competition, on Theatre in the 21st Century: Touchstone to Humanity 4/21/11 Free View In iTunes

82 VideoRupinder Brar on The Impact of Astronomy Big Ideas presents 2010 Best Lecturer Competition winner Rupinder Brar on The Impact of Astronomy on Humankind's Perception of the Universe 4/15/11 Free View In iTunes

83 VideoRobert Adams on The Forgotten Popular Welsh-born storyteller Robert Adams reviews Elie Wiesel's novel, The Forgotten, the profoundly moving story of an ailing Holocaust survivor who lives with disturbing memories and entrusts his son with a mysterious mission. Adams' talk was deliver 4/15/11 Free View In iTunes

84 VideoSara Seager on Exoplanets the Search for Habitable Worlds Big Ideas presents Sara Seager of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology discussing Exoplanets and the Search for Habitable Worlds 4/8/11 Free View In iTunes

85 VideoMichael Adams on The Boomer Impact Environics co-founder, leading pollster, and author, Michael Adams, delivers a lecture on the Boomer Impact, drawing on the insights and research in his latest book Stayin' Alive: How Canadian Boomers Will Work, Play and Find Meaning in the Second Half of 4/1/11 Free View In iTunes

86 VideoHod Lipson on The Robotic Scientist:Mining Experimental Data Big Ideas presents Hod Lipson of Cornell University exploring his work in such areas as evolutionary robotics and programmable self-assembly, Lipson delivers a lecture entitled The Robotic Scientist: Mining Experimental Data for Scientific Laws, from Cogn 3/25/11 Free View In iTunes

87 VideoIan Hacking on The Mathematical Animal Winner of the prestigious Holberg International Memorial Prize, philosopher Ian Hacking presents a lecture entitled The Mathematical Animal. 3/18/11 Free View In iTunes

88 VideoShort documentary on Toronto graphic novelist, Seth. Big Ideas presents a short documentary on Toronto graphic novelist, Seth. Seth is the creator of Palookaville and It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken. 3/11/11 Free View In iTunes

89 VideoNick Mount on It's A Good Life, If You Don't Weaken Big Ideas presents University of Toronto English professor, Nick Mount, on the graphic novel It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken by Seth. 3/11/11 Free View In iTunes

90 VideoDavid Sloan Wilson on Religion and Other Meaning Systems Professor David Sloan Wilson, author of Darwin's Cathedral: Evolution, Religion, and the Nature of Society, delivers the annual Wiegand Memorial Foundation lecture entitled Religion and Other Meaning Systems. He examines how the experience of the religiou 3/4/11 Free View In iTunes

91 VideoRobert Adams on The Elegance of the Hedgehog Big Ideas presents author and book reviewer Robert Adams as he discusses the novel The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. 2/25/11 Free View In iTunes

92 VideoRichard Wilkinson on The Age of Unequals One of Britain's leading social epidemiologists, Richard Wilkinson, looks at what it means to live in a new age of inequality. Wilkinson is the co-author of the groundbreaking, international bestseller The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone 2/18/11 Free View In iTunes

93 VideoSeth Lloyd on Quantum Life Big Ideas presents Seth Lloyd of the Massachusetts Institute for Technology on Quantum Life, how organisms have evolved to make use of quantum effects. 2/11/11 Free View In iTunes

94 VideoNobel Laureate Derek Walcott on his life and work English professor, Christian Campbell, interviews Caribbean poet and playwright, Derek Walcott, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992. Walcott discusses issues of identity, culture, and language in this illuminating conversation, filmed at Hart 2/4/11 Free View In iTunes

95 VideoDaniel C. Dennett on What Should Replace Religions? Daniel C. Dennett, Co-Director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University, on What Should Replace Religions? 1/28/11 Free View In iTunes

96 VideoBrian Dalton on Mr. Deity podcasts & the morality of atheism Big Ideas presents Brian Dalton on his Mr. Deity podcasts, the amorality of Christianity and the morality of atheism 1/28/11 Free View In iTunes

97 VideoPZ Myers on Science and Atheism: Natural Allies Biology professor and well-known blogger, PZ Myers, on Science and Atheism: Natural Allies. This lecture was delivered at the Humanist Canada/Atheist Alliance International 2010 Convention in Montreal. 1/28/11 Free View In iTunes

98 VideoChris Hedges on Death of the Liberal Class Journalist and author Chris Hedges delivers a lecture based on his book Death of the Liberal Class. Hedges argues that there are five pillars of the liberal establishment - the press, liberal religious institutions, labor unions, universities and the Demo 1/21/11 Free View In iTunes

99 VideoJordan Peterson on The Necessity of Virtue University of Toronto professor and clinical psychologist, Jordan Peterson, delivers the 2010 Hancock Lecture entitled The Necessity of Virtue. He discusses virtue from a contemporary perspective that both encompasses and extends beyond moral and religiou 1/14/11 Free View In iTunes

100 VideoSimon Winchester on The Man Who Loved China Journalist, broadcaster, and bestselling author, Simon Winchester, tells the remarkable story of Joseph Needham, an eccentric English chemist who wrote a vast book on Chinese science which remains the longest book about China ever written in the English l 1/7/11 Free View In iTunes

101 VideoSean M Carroll on Origin of the Universe & the Arrow of Time Big Ideas presents Sean M. Carroll of CalTech discussing how the direction of the arrow of time was defined by the Big Bang. He also speculates about what might have come before the Big Bang. The lecture is entitled The Origin of the Universe & the Arrow 12/31/10 Free View In iTunes

102 VideoCraig Kaplan on Mathematical Art and Artistic Mathematicians Craig Kaplan discusses origami, tiling patterns and other areas of art where mathematics and computers have had a significant impact. The lecture, entitled Mathematical Art and Artistic Mathematicians, was deliverd at the Quantum to Cosmos Festival. 12/25/10 Free View In iTunes

103 VideoFrancis Broun on Genius Denied: The Art of Sir Edwin Landsee Art historian Francis Broun presents his lecture entitled Genius Denied: The Art of Sir Edwin Landseer. It was recorded at the Women's Art Association in Toronto on May 24th, 2010. 12/17/10 Free View In iTunes

104 VideoWilliam R. Newman on Why Did Isaac Newton Believe in Alchemy Indiana University professor of History and Philosophy of Science, William R. Newman presents his lecture, entitled Why Did Isaac Newton Believe in Alchemy? Through historical documents and experiments that demonstrate alchemical processes, this lecture e 12/10/10 Free View In iTunes

105 VideoClimate Reality A panel discussion on climate science and climate justice with the world's foremost climate scientist, Dr. James Hansen, as well as Naomi Klein, author of The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism, and Clayton Thomas-Muller, the Indigenous Envir 12/3/10 Free View In iTunes

106 VideoDr. James Hansen on Human-Made Climate Change Dr. James Hansen of the NASA Goddard Institute delivers a lecture on Human-Made Climate Change: A Moral, Political, and Legal Issue. 12/3/10 Free View In iTunes

107 VideoS. James Gates, Jr. on Does Reality Have a Genetic Basis? S. James Gates Jr., Director of the Center for String and Particle Theory at the University of Maryland, discusses the question "Does Reality Have a Genetic Basis?" 11/26/10 Free View In iTunes

108 VideoNick Mount on Sylvia Plath's Ariel As part of the Literature for Our Time series, University of Toronto English Professor Nick Mount examines Ariel, Sylvia Plath's posthumously published collection of poems. 11/19/10 Free View In iTunes

109 VideoMichaelR. Marrus on Antisemitism - 2003 MichaelR. Marrus is Ray Wolfe Professor of Holocaust Studies at the University of Toronto. He spoke on Antisemitism: The Politicization of Prejudice in the Contemporary World. The lecture was recorded on February 10, 2003. 11/17/10 Free View In iTunes

110 VideoStephen J. Zipperstein on Antisemitism Stephen J. Zipperstein of Stanford University speaks on Antisemitism: The Politicization of Prejudice in the Contemporary World. The lecture was recorded on February 10, 2003. 11/17/10 Free View In iTunes

111 VideoTodd Endelman on Antisemitism - 2003 Todd Endelman of the University of Michigan and Director of the Jean and Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies speaks on Antisemitism: The Politicization of Prejusdice in the Contemporary World. The lecture was recorded on February 10, 2003. 11/17/10 Free View In iTunes

112 VideoStewart Brand on his book Whole Earth Discipline Stewart Brand delivers a lecture focusing on his book Whole Earth Discipline: An Ecopragmatist Manifesto. 11/13/10 Free View In iTunes

113 VideoBhikhu Parekh on Secularism and the Role of Religion in Publ Lord Bhikhu Parekh is Emeritus Professor of Political Philosophy at the Universities of Westminster and Hull and a Fellow of the British Academy. He is the author of several books in political philosophy including Rethinking Multiculturalism and A New Po 11/5/10 Free View In iTunes

114 VideoJohn Mighton on The Ubiquitous Bell Curve John Mighton of the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences delivers a lecture on The Ubiquitous Bell Curve. The talk focuses on JUMP Math and Mighton's work helping teachers learn how to excite students about mathematics. 10/30/10 Free View In iTunes

115 VideoRobert Adams on The Reluctant Fundamentalist Robert Adams discusses Mohsin Hamid's 2007 novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, which was short listed for the Booker Prize. 10/23/10 Free View In iTunes

116 VideoTerry Eagleton on Marxism as a Theodicy Big Ideas presents British literary and cultural theorist, Terry Eagleton. His lecture"Is Marxism a Theodicy?" was delivered at a conference on Historical Materialism at York University, on May 14, 2010 10/15/10 Free View In iTunes

117 VideoTerry Eagleton on the metaphysics of terror British literary and cultural theorist, Terry Eagleton, on The Metaphysics of Terror. This lecture was culled from our archives and first aired in 2004. 10/15/10 Free View In iTunes

118 VideoChris Lintott on The Galaxy Zoo Chris Lintott of the University of Oxford discusses The Galaxy Zoo, an internet-based program for enlisting the help of amateur astronomers in cataloguing other galaxies. 10/9/10 Free View In iTunes

119 VideoTariq Ramadan The Swiss-born Muslim philosopher gives a lecture based on his recent book In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad. 10/4/10 Free View In iTunes

120 VideoJeff Rubin and Andrew Nikiforuk on the future of oil Big Ideas presents Jeff Rubin and Andrew Nikiforuk on The Future of the Oil Economy. This panel discussion took place at the 2010 Globe and Mail Festival Open House. Moderator is Paul Waldie. 10/2/10 Free View In iTunes

121 VideoJeremy Rifkin on The Emathic Civilization Jeremy Rifkin, President of the Foundation on Economic Trends and author of The Empathic Civilization: Rethinking Human Nature in the Biosphere Era spoke about environmental issues at the Tulip Festival in Ottawa on May 16, 2010. 10/2/10 Free View In iTunes

122 VideoAyaan Hirsi Ali on Islam Ayaan Hirsi Ali on her book Nomad: From Islam to America: A Personal Journey Through the Clash of Civilizations. 9/25/10 Free View In iTunes

123 VideoRuth Wisse on Serious Thoughts on Jewish Humor - 2004 Ruth Wisse delivers her lecture entitled Getting Serious about Jewish Humor recorded at Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Toronto, in November, 2004. 9/17/10 Free View In iTunes

124 VideoGerard t'Hooft on Science Fiction and Reality Gerard t'Hooft, a Nobel Laureate from Utrecht University delivers a lecture on Science Fiction and Reality at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ontario on May 7, 2008 9/11/10 Free View In iTunes

125 VideoSimon Blackburn on Truth: A Guide for the Perplexed - 2005 Simon Blackburn discusses his book Truth: A Guide for the Perplexed. The lecture was delivered at the University of Toronto, in May, 2005 9/3/10 Free View In iTunes

126 VideoDaniel Pink on his book A Whole New Mind - 2005 Daniel Pink delivers a lecture discussing his book A Whole New Mind at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, in June, 2005. 8/27/10 Free View In iTunes

127 VideoDavid Gray profile - ice skating, coffee and being American David Gray discusses ice skating, his coffee preferences and being American by birth but feeling more like a Canadian. 8/27/10 Free View In iTunes

128 VideoRupinder Brar profile - telescopes, gender divide, X-Men Rupinder Brar discusses telescopes, the gender divide in the sciences and his role in the movie X-Men 8/27/10 Free View In iTunes

129 VideoNadia Habib profile - Egypt, family life, York University Nadia Habib discusses her childhood in Egypt, her family life and her love for teaching at York University. 8/20/10 Free View In iTunes

130 VideoMonika Havelka profile - horseback riding, biology, teaching Monika Havelka discusses horseback riding, her children's reactions to growing up with biologists for parents and her excitement for teaching 8/20/10 Free View In iTunes

131 VideoRalph Wood on JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis - 2004 Ralph Wood delivers a lecture entitled Tolkien and Lewis: Friends and Combatants. It was delivered at Yorkminster Baptist Church in Toronto, in September, 2004. 8/13/10 Free View In iTunes

132 VideoBruce Meyer profile - poetry, happiness, his dog Daisy Bruce Meyer discusses his poetry, happiness in his life and in fiction, and his dog Daisy. 8/13/10 Free View In iTunes

133 VideoVirginia Walker profile - teaching biology, women's hockey Virginia Walker discusses her involvement in women's hockey, attending school in Nova Scotia and her love of research. 8/13/10 Free View In iTunes

134 VideoKarolyn Smardz Frost profile - archaeology, social justice Karolyn Smardz Frost discusses her passion for archaeology, how social justice shaped her childhood and her return to school at age 39. 8/6/10 Free View In iTunes

135 VideoSohail Rashid profile - cars, cats, the immigrant experience Sohail Rashid discusses his love of cars, his cats and the immigrant experience. 8/6/10 Free View In iTunes

136 VideoKay Redfield Jamison on her book Exuberance Kay Redfield Jamison delivers a lecture discussing her book Exuberance: The Passion for Life, at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, in October, 2004. 7/30/10 Free View In iTunes

137 VideoEleanor MacDonald profile - poetry, quilts, political theory Eleanor MacDonald discusses her early passion for poetry, her quilting, her love of dogs and what attracted her to political theory. 7/30/10 Free View In iTunes

138 VideoSteve Joordens profile - veganism, internet-based teaching Steve Joordens discusses veganism, the concept of "big ears" and the benefits of using the internet-based teaching program peerScholar in large classes. 7/30/10 Free View In iTunes

139 VideoGeorge Steiner on the history of Literacy - 2002 Author George Steiner, speaking at the Living Literacies Conference (November 2002) at York University in Toronto, delivers a lecture on the history of literacy. 7/23/10 Free View In iTunes

140 VideoGerald Cohen on Rescuing Conservatism Political philosopher, G.A. Cohen, on Rescuing Conservatism: A Defence of Existing Value. His lecture was presented by the Centre for Ethics at the University of Toronto on Oct. 16, 2008. 7/17/10 Free View In iTunes

141 VideoMalcolm Gladwell on his best-selling book Blink - 2005 Malcolm Gladwell delivers a lecture discussing his best-selling book Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking at the University of Toronto, in February, 2005. 7/9/10 Free View In iTunes

142 VideoMel Hurtig on The Truth about Canada Bestselling author, Mel Hurtig, combs through the world of statistics to see how Canada measures up - and the results are astonishing. 7/3/10 Free View In iTunes

143 VideoSusan Sontag on modern literacy - 2002 Author Susan Sontag, speaking at the Living Literacies Conference (November 2002) at York University in Toronto, delivers a lecture on modern literacy. 6/25/10 Free View In iTunes

144 VideoBrian Schmidt on The Universe from Beginning to End Brian Schmidt of the Australian National University delivers his lecture entitled The Universe from Beginning to End. The lecture explores the geometry and age of the universe to give us a picture of the effects of Dark Energy. 6/18/10 Free View In iTunes

145 VideoEdward Shorter on the history of sex - 2005 Edward Shorter delivers a lecture discussing the history of sex and his book Written in the Flesh at Hart House at the University of Toronto - September, 2005. 6/11/10 Free View In iTunes

146 VideoCharles Sabine & Sydney Brenner on The Personalized Genome Charles Sabine & Sydney Brenner speak at the Gairdner Symposium on The Personalized Genome in Toronto (October 30, 2009) 6/4/10 Free View In iTunes

147 VideoRobert Adams on Booker Prize winning novel The White Tiger Teacher, writer and critic, Robert Adams, reviews Aravind Adiga's Booker prize-winning novel, The White Tiger. Corruption, murder, and a series of letters composed by a former chauffeur allow the novel to explore India's caste system and how it's been aff 5/28/10 Free View In iTunes

148 VideoJordan Peterson on Reality and the Sacred This video podcast includes the lecture and the Q & A. 5/25/10 Free View In iTunes

149 VideoVaclav Smil: The Future of the Planet Author and distinguished professor, Vaclav Smil, is interviewed by Andrew Revkin about the future of the planet. This discussion was part of the Q2C Festival in 2009. 5/21/10 Free View In iTunes

150 VideoJordan Peterson: Reality and the Sacred In his lecture entitled Reality and the Sacred, psychology professor, Jordan Peterson, explores the human search for meaning in a chaotic world and how our perceptions and beliefs shape our sense of reality. 5/14/10 Free View In iTunes

151 VideoPalagummi Sainath: The Age of Inequality Award-winning journalist, Palagummi Sainath, examines the impact of corporate globalization on Indian society. He argues that neoliberal policies have increased inequality and have had devastating affects on the poor, including farmers. His lecture, enti 5/7/10 Free View In iTunes

152 VideoCory Doctorow on Copyright vs. Universal Access Author, activist, journalist and blogger, Cory Doctorow, delivers a lecture on Copyright vs. Universal Access. Subtitled, The State of Play in the Global Copyfight, this lecture was part of the Q2C Festival at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo. 4/30/10 Free View In iTunes

153 VideoNick Mount English professor Nick Mount presents us with an examination of T.S. Eliot's The Wasteland and how it became a post-war, modernist masterpiece 4/23/10 Free View In iTunes

154 VideoDavid Gray on Open Economy Macroeconomics David Gray from the Economics Department at the University of Ottawa presents his competition lecture entitled Open Economy Macroeconomics 4/2/10 Free View In iTunes

155 VideoNadia Habib on Reflections on Gender & Sexuality Nadia Habib from the Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Department at York University presents her competition lecture entitled Reflections on Gender & Sexuality 4/1/10 Free View In iTunes

156 VideoBruce Meyer on The Four Phases of Yeats Bruce Meyer from the English Department at Laurentian University at Georgian College presents his competition lecture entitled The Four Pases of Yeats. 3/27/10 Free View In iTunes

157 VideoMonika Havelka on Why Sex? The Evolution of a Paradox Monika Havelka from the Biology Department at the University of Toronto Mississauga presents her competition lecture entitled Why Sex? The Evolution of a Paradox 3/26/10 Free View In iTunes

158 VideoVirginia Walker on HIV, Parasites and the Exhausted Immune S Virginia Walker from the Biology Department at Queen's University presents her competition lecture entitled HIV, Parasites and the Exhausted Immune System. 3/19/10 Free View In iTunes

159 VideoFinalist version of BL 2010 winner lecture Finalist version of BL 2010 winner lecture 3/19/10 Free View In iTunes

160 VideoKarolyn Smardz Frost on Toronto's Underground Railroad Karolyn Smardz Frost from the History Department at York University presents her competition lecture entitled Fugitive Sources: Uncovering Toronto's Underground Railroad Connections. 3/12/10 Free View In iTunes

161 VideoSohail Rashid on Birth Order and Personality Sohail Rashid from the Psychology Department at Ryerson University presents his competition lecture entitled Birth Order and Personality. 3/12/10 Free View In iTunes

162 VideoEleanor MacDonald on Are We Postmodern? Eleanor MacDonald from the Political Studies Department at Queen's University presents her competition lecture entitled Are We Postmodern? 3/5/10 Free View In iTunes

163 VideoSteve Joordens on Critical Thinking Steve Joordens from the Psychology Department at the University of Toronto Scarborough presents his competition lecture entitled You Can Lead Students to Knowledge, But How Do You Make Them Think? 3/5/10 Free View In iTunes

164 VideoNick Mount: Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse As part of his Literature for Our Time series, University of Toronto English professor Nick Mount discusses Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse. 2/26/10 Free View In iTunes

165 VideoMichael Ruse: Is Darwinism Past its Sell-by Date? Michael Ruse is professor of philosophy at Florida State University. 2/23/10 Free View In iTunes

166 VideoFrancis Broun on the sculptures of Michelangelo Art historian Francis Broun explores the life, the passions and the sculptures of Michelangelo. 2/12/10 Free View In iTunes

167 VideoDambisa Moyo: Innovating away from Aid Economist Dambisa Moyo is the author of Dead Aid. 2/6/10 Free View In iTunes

168 VideoSean B. Carroll The theory of evolution is credited to Charles Darwin but important contributions were also made by Henry Walter Bates and Alfred Wallace. The stories of these three adventurers are chronicled by Sean B. Carroll, author of the book Remarkable Creatures: E 1/30/10 Free View In iTunes

169 VideoHarold Kushner: Conquering Fear The author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People, discusses his new book about fear - and what we can do to overcome it. 1/23/10 Free View In iTunes

170 VideoWade Davis Anthropologist and author, Wade Davis, delivers the 2009 Massey Lecture The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World. Davis explores the importance of the myriad and diverse cultures of the world and the impact on all of us when a cultu 1/16/10 Free View In iTunes

171 VideoPeter Diamandis on promoting radical scientific breakthroughs through his X Prize foundation Dr. Peter Diamandis is the Chairman and CEO of the X PRIZE Foundation, a non-profit initiative focused on designing and launching large incentive prizes, such as the Google Lunar X PRIZE, to drive radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. This le 1/9/10 Free View In iTunes

172 VideoNick Mount on Samuel Beckett's Waiting For Godot University of Toronto English professor Nick Mount discusses Samuel Beckett?s controversial play Waiting For Godot. 12/19/09 Free View In iTunes

173 VideoRobert Adams on the Booker Prize winning novel Mister Pip The author of A Love of Reading, acclaimed book reviewer Robert Adams, discusses the Man Booker Prize winning novel Mister Pip by New Zealand author Lloyd Jones. 12/12/09 Free View In iTunes

174 VideoHoward Gardner on excellence in education Harvard psychologist and author, Howard Gardner, best known for his theory of multiple intelligences, delivers a lecture based on his book Good Work: When Excellence and Ethics Meet. 12/5/09 Free View In iTunes

175 VideoShel Israel on Twitterville Influential blogger, Shel Israel, shares insights from his book Twitterville: How Businesses Can Thrive in the New Global Neighbourhoods. 11/28/09 Free View In iTunes

176 VideoMichael Shermer on why people believe weird things Editor of Skeptic Magazine, Michael Shermer, delivers an entertaining lecture on his book Why People Believe Weird Things. 11/21/09 Free View In iTunes

177 VideoLiaquat Ahamed on his book Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World The author of Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World, Liaquat Ahamed, discusses the connections between the world's financial decision makers in the period leading up to the Great Depression and their counterparts in the current global financia 11/14/09 Free View In iTunes

178 VideoCamille Paglia on religion Describing herself as an atheist who defends religion, academic and author, Camille Paglia, argues that an understanding of world religions and their symbols is essential to fully understanding human civilization and our place in the universe. 11/7/09 Free View In iTunes

179 VideoMichael Marrus (Pt. 2) on great moments in great trials The second part of the lecture entitled Justice and Theatre: Great Moments in Great Trials examines Nicolae Bukharin and the Moscow Show Trials and the 1945 Nuremberg Trials. 11/1/09 Free View In iTunes

180 VideoMichael Marrus on great moments in great trials The first of this two-part lecture entitled Justice and Theatre: Great Moments in Great Trials looks at the libel trial of Oscar Wilde in 1895. 10/31/09 Free View In iTunes

181 VideoRichard Leakey on Climate Change and the Future of Life on Earth Richard Leakey, professor of Anthropology at Stony Brook University in New York is best known for his paleontological work in Africa. His lecture, entitled Climate Change and the Future of Life on Earth deals with wildlife conservation and was recorded at 10/24/09 Free View In iTunes

182 VideoLeonard Mlodinow on randomness and his book The Drunkard's Walk Leonard Mlodinow, of the California Institute of Technology is the author of The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives. His lecture on the subject of randomness was presented by the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ontario on May 6th, 2009. 10/17/09 Free View In iTunes

183 VideoLawrence Krauss on dark matter, dark energy and the end of the universe as we know it Lawrence Krauss is a professor in the Department of Physics at Arizona State University. His lecture entitled Life, the Universe and Nothing was recorded at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto on March 27th, 2009. 10/10/09 Free View In iTunes

184 VideoChristopher Hitchens on The Ten Commandments Christopher Hitchens, author of God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, delivers a lecture at the Royal Ontario Museum entitled The Three New Commandments in conjunction with the exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls. 10/3/09 Free View In iTunes

185 VideoJ Ralston Saul, Naomi Klein and others, on leadership Panelists John Ralston Saul, Margaret MacMillan, Naomi Klein, and Adam Gopnik discuss what constitutes a great leader and why some leaders fail while others thrive. 9/26/09 Free View In iTunes

186 VideoThomas King on stories and the Native Canadian experience The author of The Truth About Stories, Thomas King, delivers his 2003 Massey Lecture entitled, What Is It About Us that You Don?t Like? 9/19/09 Free View In iTunes

187 VideoNoam Chomsky on international policy continuity in the wake of 9-11 MIT professor of Linguistics, Noam Chomsky, delivers his 2002 lecture on international policy continuity in the wake of 9-11. 9/12/09 Free View In iTunes

188 VideoLeonard Susskind on the Black Hole Wars Stanford University professor of Physics, Leonard Susskind, on ?The Black Hole Wars?, the scientific disagreement between Susskind and Stephen Hawking. 9/5/09 Free View In iTunes

189 VideoElizabeth Abbott on her book A History of Mistresses. Elizabeth Abbott on her 2003 book A History of Mistresses. 8/29/09 Free View In iTunes

190 VideoElaine Dewar on her book The Second Tree: Of Clones, Chimeras and Quests for Immortality. Author Elaine Dewar delivers her 2002 lecture about her book The Second Tree: Of Clones, Chimeras and Quests for Immortality. 8/22/09 Free View In iTunes

191 VideoNiall Ferguson on his book Empire Harvard University professor of History, Niall Ferguson, delivers his 2002 lecture on the lessons the US ought to learn from the British Empire experience in the Middle East. 8/8/09 Free View In iTunes

192 VideoSaskia Sassen on citizenship in the age of globalization Columbia University professor of Sociology, Saskia Sassen, delivers her 2003 lecture on the concept of citizenship in the age of globalization. 8/1/09 Free View In iTunes

193 VideoFrancis S. Collins on The Genome and Your Future (Part 1) The leader of the Human Genome Project, Dr. Francis S. Collins delivers his 2003 high school lecture entitled The Genome and Your Future. 7/25/09 Free View In iTunes

194 VideoMaynard Olson on The Genome and Your Future (Part 2) Professor of Genome Sciences and of Medicine, Dr. Maynard Olson delivers his 2003 lecture, companion piece to the Francis S. Collins lecture The Genome and Your Future. 7/25/09 Free View In iTunes

195 VideoSteven Pinker on his book The Blank Slate Harvard University Psychology professor, Steven Pinker delivers a lecture on the modern denial of human nature with a specific focus on his 2003 book The Blank Slate. 7/18/09 Free View In iTunes

196 VideoJune Carroll on Modern Genetics Dr. June Carroll of Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto delivers her 2003 lecture on Modern Genetics. 7/11/09 Free View In iTunes

197 VideoJanice Stein on the ethics of responsibility and accountability. The Director of the Munk Centre for International Studies, Janice Stein, delivers her 2002 lecture on the ethics of responsibility and accountability in North American society. 7/4/09 Free View In iTunes

198 VideoJohn Polanyi on the world that science has built Winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, University of Toronto professor John Polanyi delivers his 2002 lecture on the world that science has built. 6/27/09 Free View In iTunes

199 VideoAlexander Wendt on why a one state world is inevitable Ohio State Political Science professor Alexander Wendt delivers his 2002 lecture on why he believes a one state world is inevitable. 6/20/09 Free View In iTunes

200 VideoPhilip Ball on Chemistry and Colour in Art Philip Ball outlines how developments in chemistry have impacted painters and the art world throughout history. 6/13/09 Free View In iTunes

201 VideoRobert Fulford on A World Reconfigured: Politics and Perceptions Since 9-11 Canadian author, journalist and broadcaster Robert Fulford delivers his 2003 lecture A World Reconfigured: Politics and Perceptions Since 9-11 6/6/09 Free View In iTunes

202 VideoJ.B. Mackinnon, Alisa Smith, and Adria Vasil on the environment The authors of The 100-Mile Diet and Ecoholic deliver lectures on eating and living more sustainably. 5/31/09 Free View In iTunes

203 VideoThomas Homer-Dixon and Chris Turner on the environment Authors Thomas Homer-Dixon and Chris Turner deliver lectures on a range of environmental issues including climate change, green energy, and creating the foundations of a sustainable future. 5/30/09 Free View In iTunes

204 VideoDon Tapscott on the ways the Net Generation learn differently The author of Grown Up Digital, Don Tapscott, refutes the belief that the internet is turning today's youth into "the dumbest generation". Tapscott illustrates how the net has changed the way people learn and offers suggestions on how to tap into the expe 5/23/09 Free View In iTunes

205 VideoJohn Ralston Saul on what defines Canada as a nation John Ralston Saul argues that Canada is a Metis nation, critically influenced and shaped by aboriginal ideas. 5/16/09 Free View In iTunes

206 VideoGwynne Dyer on global warming and his book Climate Wars Journalist and historian, Gwynne Dyer, discusses his book Climate Wars, outlining the impact that climate change is likely to have on international relations. Dyer focuses particularly on the military conflicts that he sees resulting from global warming. 5/9/09 Free View In iTunes

207 VideoLeo Panitch on the lessons of Marxism Leo Panitch delivers this year's Phyllis Clarke Memorial Lecture entitled "Still a Marxist After All: Lessons and Insights for our Time". 5/2/09 Free View In iTunes

208 VideoHazel Carby on the British slave trade and the question of identity for people of West Indian heritage in the U.K. In her lecture, Belonging to Britain, Hazel Carby looks at the historic relationship between England and Jamaica, including the history of the slave trade in Bristol and the complex question of identity for those of mixed British and West Indian heritage. 4/25/09 Free View In iTunes

209 VideoBernard-Henry Levy's Philosopher and journalist Bernard-Henri Levy critiques present-day leftist politics for its anti-liberalism, anti-Americanism, and for being soft on radical Islamism. 4/18/09 Free View In iTunes

210 VideoMerv Mosher - Best Lecturer Finalist - on Statistics: What's the Point? Merv Mosher from the Kinesiology and Health Science department at York University in Toronto is profiled and delivers his lecture entitled, Statistics: What's the Point? 3/29/09 Free View In iTunes

211 VideoRod Carley - Best Lecturer Finalist - on Adapting Shakespeare within a Modern Canadian Context Top ten finalist, Professor Rod Carley, from the Communication Arts department at Canadore College in North Bay is profiled and delivers his competition lecture entitled, Adapting Shakespeare Within a Modern Canadian Context. 3/28/09 Free View In iTunes

212 VideoClare Hasenkampf - Best Lecturer Finalist - on Chromosomes Dividing: How It Is Done and Why It Matters Clare Hasenkampf from the Biological Sciences department at the University of Toronto Scarborough delivers her competition lecture entitled "Chromosomes Dividing: How It Is Done and Why It Matters". 3/22/09 Free View In iTunes

213 VideoDarryl Davies - Best Lecturer Finalist - on Explaining Crime Darryl Davies from the Sociology and Anthropology department at Carleton University in Ottawa delivers his competition lecture entitled "Explaining Crime". 3/21/09 Free View In iTunes

214 VideoShawn Lehman - Best Lecturer Finalist - on Primate Infanticide: Adaptation or Social Pathology? Shawn Lehman from the Anthropology department at the University of Toronto St. George delivers his competition lecture entitled "Primate Infanticide: Adaptation or Social Pathology?" 3/15/09 Free View In iTunes

215 VideoPaul Stevens - Best Lecturer Finalist - on Milton's Satan Paul Stevens from the English department at the University of Toronto St. George delivers his competition lecture entitled "Milton's Satan". 3/14/09 Free View In iTunes

216 VideoDoug Richards - Best Lecturer Finalist - on Stretching: The Truth Doug Richards from the Physical Education and Health department at the University of Toronto St. George delivers his competition lecture entitled "Stretching: The Truth". 3/8/09 Free View In iTunes

217 VideoJames Allard - Best Lecturer Finalist - on Frankenstein: Five Ways James Allard from the English Language and Literature department at Brock University in St. Catharines delivers his competition lecture entitled "Frankenstein: Five Ways". 3/7/09 Free View In iTunes

218 VideoAnton Allahar - Best Lecturer Finalist - on Why Isn't the Whole World Developed? Anton Allahar from the Sociology department at the University of Western Ontario in London delivers his competition lecture entitled "Why Isn't the Whole World Developed?" 3/1/09 Free View In iTunes

219 VideoMatthew Bellamy - Best Lecturer Finalist - on A Watershed Moment: Canada and the Second World War Matthew Bellamy from the History department at Carleton University in Ottawa delivers his competition lecture entitled "A Watershed Moment: Canada and the Second World War". 2/28/09 Free View In iTunes

220 VideoToby Miller on electronic waste Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, Toby Miller, examines the environmental impact of our obsession with technology. 2/21/09 Free View In iTunes

221 VideoJean Bethke Elshtain on religion and democracy "Religion and Democracy: Antagonists or Allies?" is the title of the 2008 Seymour Martin Lipset Memorial Lecture. 2/14/09 Free View In iTunes

222 VideoDavid Weinberger on Knowledge at the End of the Information Age The author of "Everything is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder", David Weinberger, delivers a lecture entitled "Knowledge at the End of the Information Age". In this talk Weinberger argues that the internet is both profoundly weird, and 2/7/09 Free View In iTunes

223 VideoMaude Barlow on the global water crisis Barlow argues that access to safe drinking water should be a basic human right and makes a compelling case for why the global water crisis will be the greatest environmental and human crisis of this century. 1/31/09 Free View In iTunes

224 VideoLewis Lapham on education Lewis Lapham laments the state of the American education system. 1/24/09 Free View In iTunes

225 VideoUmberto Eco on Beauty and Ugliness Internationally renowned author and philosopher, Umberto Eco, gives "An Illustrated Presentation on the History of Beauty and Ugliness", based on his two recent books "On Beauty" and "On Ugliness". 1/17/09 Free View In iTunes

226 VideoMargaret Atwood's 2008 Massey Lecture Author Margaret Atwood delivers the 2008 Massey Lecture, "Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth". 1/10/09 Free View In iTunes

227 VideoMargaret Visser on The Gift of Thanks Cultural historian and author, Margaret Visser, explores the history and significance of gratitude. 12/20/08 Free View In iTunes

228 VideoJordan Peterson on the nature of evil University of Toronto Professor of Psychology Jordan Peterson discusses the nature of evil and its distinction from tragedy in this lecture presented at the 2008 Conference on Personal Meaning. 12/13/08 Free View In iTunes

229 VideoThomas Homer-Dixon on climate change Author and scholar, Thomas Homer-Dixon, explores the convergence of natural, social, and economic stresses that could lead to the breakdown of world economies and political systems. 12/6/08 Free View In iTunes

230 VideoMark Federman on the impact of the internet on education "No Educator Left Behind" is the title of this lecture by Mark Federman. In it Federman contends that, as a result of the changes the internet has brought to the way students communicate and interact, universities, if they are to remain relevant, must mov 11/29/08 Free View In iTunes

231 VideoRon Deibert on internet censorship Political science professor Ron Deibert looks at the issue of internet censorship and surveillance around the world. 11/22/08 Free View In iTunes

232 VideoRichard Florida on the creative class Best-selling author, Richard Florida, describes how the creative class is impacting cities, business and society at large. 11/15/08 Free View In iTunes

233 VideoRonald Wright on American identity Ronald Wright, the author of "What Is America?: A Short History of the New World Order", examines the dichotomy between "America's ideals and the realities". Wright discusses how such conflicts as those between Native Americans and the Europeans who came 11/8/08 Free View In iTunes

234 VideoLeanne Simpson on aboriginal traditional knowledge Leanne Simpson of Athabasca University's Centre for World Indigenous Knowledge and Research delivers a lecture entitled, "Can Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Survive in the Modern World?" 11/8/08 Free View In iTunes

235 VideoMark Kingwell and Malcolm Gladwell on social change University of Toronto philosophy professor and author, Mark Kingwell, and journalist Malcolm Gladwell square off in a lively debate about social change and how best to achieve it. 11/1/08 Free View In iTunes

236 VideoGabor Mate on addictions Drawing on his experience with drug addicted patients from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Dr. Gabor Mate discusses how the medical and legal systems are failing in the so called "war on drugs". Dr. Mate reads from his fourth book, "In the Realm of Hungry 10/25/08 Free View In iTunes

237 VideoOvide Mercredi on Truth and Reconciliation In light of the Canadian government's recent apology, and as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission commences its work, Ovide Mercredi, chief of the Misipawistic Cree nation and former chief of the Assembly of First Nations, reflects on what true reconci 10/18/08 Free View In iTunes

238 VideoSalman Akhtar on the trauma of dislocation Jefferson Medical College professor Salman Akhtar discusses "The Trauma of Geophysical Dislocation", proposing that psychoanalysts need to pay special attention to their immigrant patients. Akhtar suggests that the immigration experience creates disruptio 10/11/08 Free View In iTunes

239 VideoStrobe Talbott on modern statehood Strobe Talbott, president of the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., delivers this year's Donner Canadian Foundation lecture drawing upon his recently released book The Great Experiment: The Story of Ancient Empires, Modern States and the Quest for 10/4/08 Free View In iTunes

240 VideoBenjamin Barber on consumerism and globalization Benjamin Barber's books include "Strong Democracy", "Jihad vs. McWorld" and "Consumed: How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantilize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole". Speaking at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Barber explains how the ideal 9/27/08 Free View In iTunes

241 VideoWilliam D. Phillips on the universe "Time and Einstein in the 21st Century: The Coolest Stuff in the Universe" is the title of this exceptionally entertaining lecture. Phillips, who works with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, demonstrates the cooling potential of liquid n 9/20/08 Free View In iTunes

242 VideoRichard Lewontin on co-evolution of organisms and environment Professor Richard C. Lewontin of Harvard University delivers a lecture on the topic of The Co-evolution of Organisms and the Environment. 9/13/08 Free View In iTunes

243 VideoAlberto Manguel on Picasso Alberto Manguel on the duality of Pablo Picasso's artistic brilliance and personal evil. 9/6/08 Free View In iTunes

244 VideoGuy Proulx on the aging brain Dr. Guy Proulx, Director of Psychology and NeuroRehabilitation at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care delivers a lecture entitled, Wisdom Versus Dementia: A Walk Through the Aging Brain. 8/30/08 Free View In iTunes

245 VideoKay Redfield Jamison on understanding suicide Kay Redfield Jamison of Johns Hopkins University gives a lecture about suicide drawing on the research from her book, Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide. 8/23/08 Free View In iTunes

246 VideoLee Smolin on why science works Lee Smolin of Perimeter Institute delivers his lecture, Why Does Science Work? 8/16/08 Free View In iTunes

247 VideoZach Hall on neuroethics Zach Hall - Dean of Research at the School of Medicine of University of Southern California discusses, Neuroethics: A Challenge for a New Age. 8/2/08 Free View In iTunes

248 VideoClifford Will on Was Einstein Right? Can Einstein’s Theories Survive Today’s Scientific Scrutiny? Clifford Will delivers a lecture entitled "Was Einstein Right? Can Einstein?s Theories Survive Today?s Scientific Scrutiny?" 7/19/08 Free View In iTunes

249 VideoArthur I Miller on Einstein, Picasso: Space Time and the Beauty That Causes Havoc Arthur I. Miller compares Einstein to Picasso. Miller is the author of a book entitled "Einstein, Picasso: Space, Time, and the Beauty That Causes Havoc". 7/5/08 Free View In iTunes

250 VideoHoward Gardner on Five Minds for the Future Howard Gardner is a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and is the author of "Five Minds for the Future". In this lecture he discusses his latest theories on cognition and creativity and outlines why he is currently researching what plac 6/21/08 Free View In iTunes

251 VideoMichael Eric Dyson on the life and death of Martin Luther King and modern US race issues Michael Eric Dyson, the author of "April 4, 1968", discusses the life and death of Martin Luther King as they pertain to race issues in the U.S. and around the world. 40 years after King's assassination, the race for the leadership of the Democratic Party 5/31/08 Free View In iTunes

252 VideoCharles Jencks on post-modernism Architect and author, Charles Jencks, presents a lecture based on his recent book "Critical Modernism: Where is Post-Modernism Going?" 5/24/08 Free View In iTunes

253 VideoNeil Turok on What Banged? Causes of the Big Bang Professor Neil Turok, Chair of Mathematical Physics at Cambridge University, presents his lecture "What Banged?" which examines the possible causes of The Big Bang, the initial singularity that created our universe. 5/3/08 Free View In iTunes

254 VideoGerald Cupchik on The Two Faces of Emotion University of Toronto (Scarborough) psychology professor Gerald Cupchik delivers his competition lecture entitled Two Faces of Emotion. 3/29/08 Free View In iTunes

255 VideoChristopher diCarlo on The Relations of Natural Systems University of Ontario Institute of Technology professor Christopher diCarlo (Health Sciences and Criminology) delivers his competition lecture entitled The Relations of Natural Systems. 3/29/08 Free View In iTunes

256 VideoKen Cramer on Alfred Adler: The Most Famous Personality Theorist You Likely Never Heard Of University of Windsor psychology professor Ken Cramer delivers his competition lecture entitled Alfred Adler: The Most Famous Personality Theorist You Likely Never Heard Of. 3/22/08 Free View In iTunes

257 VideoFinney Cherian on Unbinding Baby Elephants University of Windsor education professor Finney Cherian delivers his competition lecture entitled Unbinding Baby Elephants. 3/22/08 Free View In iTunes

258 VideoMarc Fournier on Dominance and Depression University of Toronto (Scarborough) psychology professor Marc Fournier delivers his competition lecture entitled Dominance and Depression. 3/15/08 Free View In iTunes

259 VideoRobert Jan van Pelt on Architecture After Auschwitz University of Waterloo Architecture professor Robert Jan van Pelt delivers his Best Lecturer competition lecture entitled Architecture After Auschwitz. 3/15/08 Free View In iTunes

260 VideoNick Bontis on Knowledge Worker Productivity McMaster University Strategic Management professor Nick Bontis delivers his Best Lecturer competition lecture entitled Knowledge Worker Productivity. 3/8/08 Free View In iTunes

261 VideoJohn Mitterer on Truth and Humility in Professional Practice Brock University psychology professor John Mitterer delivers his competition lecture entitled Truth and Humility in Professional Practice. 3/8/08 Free View In iTunes

262 VideoTim Conley on The Self in Contemporary Poetry Brock University professor Tim Conley delivers his competition lecture entitled Coordinating the Self in Contemporary Poetry. 3/1/08 Free View In iTunes

263 VideoJohn Schneeberger on Creative Menu Design Loyalist College professor John Schneeberger delivers his competition lecture entitled Creative Menu Design. 3/1/08 Free View In iTunes

264 VideoRory Stewart on state building in Afghanistan State building in Afghanistan is the focus of this lecture by Rory Stewart, a former Coalition Deputy Governor in southern Iraq. Stewart's book The Places In Between chronicles his walk across war-torn Afghanistan. Stewart's dry sense of humour shines thr 2/9/08 Free View In iTunes

265 VideoSteven Pinker on The Stuff of Thought Harvard psychology professor, Stephen Pinker, author of The Stuff of Thought examines how language reveals the way we think by exposing the physics built into our nouns, the temporal characteristics of our verbs and the manner in which our brains react to 2/2/08 Free View In iTunes

266 VideoJanuary 26 2008: Israel-Palestine: 60 Years On An hour-long version of the special series, "Israel-Palestine: 60 Years On", which originally aired on The Agenda with Steve Paikin. 1/27/08 Free View In iTunes

267 VideoEric Thurman on microcredit Microcredit expert and consultant, Eric Thurman, discusses the ideas behind his book, "A Billion Bootstraps". 12/15/07 Free View In iTunes

268 VideoH. Jay Melosh on what killed the dinosaurs H. JAY MELOSH: What killed the dinosaurs? And is humanity headed for a similar fate? These questions are addressed by H. Jay Melosh, a Professor of Theoretical Geophysics at the University of Arizona, in this lecture entitled, "Death of the Dinos: Giant I 12/8/07 Free View In iTunes

269 VideoAriel Garten on the neuroscience of conflict Psychotherapist and artist, Ariel Garten, explores the neuroscience of conflict. 11/17/07 Free View In iTunes

270 VideoBruce Kuwabara on models of urbanization Award-winning architect, Bruce Kuwabara, discusses emerging models of urbanization and sustainability that are transforming Toronto and other major Canadian cities. 11/12/07 Free View In iTunes

271 VideoRobert Adams on Brick Lane Robert Adams gives his assessment of "Brick Lane" by Monica Ali. Short-listed for the 2003 Man Booker Prize, the novel is a finely textured picture of Bangladeshi immigrants in contemporary London. 11/2/07 Free View In iTunes

272 VideoRobert Adams on the Booker Prize winning novel Disgrace Robert Adams discusses J.M. Coetzee's Booker Prize-winning novel, Disgrace. 10/26/07 Free View In iTunes

273 VideoRobert Adams on The Corrections Robert Adams offers his opinions on Jonathan Frazen's critically acclaimed novel The Corrections. It tells the story of an American family's disintegration and metamorphosis in modern America. 10/26/07 Free View In iTunes

274 VideoRobert Adams on The Kite Runner The irrepressible Robert Adams presents an enthralling review of Khaled Hosseini's, The Kite Runner. The Kite Runner is the unforgettable, beautifully told story of a friendship between two boys growing up in Kabul. 10/22/07 Free View In iTunes

275 VideoMarc Abrahams on science Marc Abrahams, editor of The Annals of Improbable Research and one of the organizers of the annual Ig-Nobel Prize ceremonies at Harvard University, discusses the work of scientists and academics that, "first makes you laugh, and then makes you think". Hig 9/29/07 Free View In iTunes

276 VideoSusannah Varmuza on epigenetics University of Toronto Zoology researcher Susannah Varmuza who discusses the evolving field of Epigenetics and what research into such things as mouse coat colour is telling scientists about the age-old "nature versus nurture" debate. 9/29/07 Free View In iTunes

277 VideoPaul Masson on the International Monetary Fund Paul Masson's lecture entitled The IMF: Institutional Failure or Victim of Its Own Success? Masson is an Adjunct Professor with the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. 9/22/07 Free View In iTunes

278 VideoWendy Steiner on The Trouble With Beauty Wendy Steiner, a professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania presents a lecture based on her book The Trouble with Beauty. 2/12/06 Free View In iTunes

Customer Reviews

An intellectual's espresso

by 2Cmundus

The depth and variation of Big Ideas is excellent. One week a leading physicist will explore quantum theory, perhaps the next an atheist will argue his perspective on religion. The speakers are always at the top of their field of expertise and nearly always gifted speakers. Each lecture is about an hour, which gives the speaker time to provide ample background and explore the subject. I love these lectures while i fly or work around the house.

Wow what a fall

by Neil Hampton

I loved this program, it was winderful until they started including fslse arguments and logicsl fallicies as part of their "fairness of big ideas". My latest example from them would be the idiot named Bhikhu Parakh. I am not a very smart person which is why I listen to this program. This guy(Bhikhu Parakh) is a dunce compared to me, He makes his own evidence and uses the fact that he said something as a validation of is truth. He argues that it's okay to judge/prosecute people only by their beliefs. He argues(that with simplistic logic) it is okay to murder any women who looks at a man ina ny kind of misconstrude manner. Every arguement by rhis guy is very easily addressed with very basic knowledge. I find it disturbing that Itunes would ever consider listening to this monster. It is okay to do and oppress as you believe? No it is not EVER!

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Big Ideas (Video)

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An intellectual's espresso

Wow what a fall

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