Saturday, April 9, 2011

Listening ideas for 9 April 2011

The China History Podcast
The Qing Dynasty Part 4
Here we begin the turbulent, bloody and historically humiliating 19th century in China. The first half century sees two emperors, Jiaqing and Daoguang stand by helplessly as China is torn apart by uprisings, anti-Manchu discontent, a financial crisis, opium addiction on a massive scale, foreign invasion and the usual deadly floods and other natural disasters. By the time the Daoguang emperor passes from the scene in 1850, it is clear to all that the Qing have long lost Heaven's Mandate.
(review, feed)

Philosophy Bites
Noel Carroll on Humour
What is humour? Why do we have a sense of humour? Philosophers have been asking this sort of question for a while. Noel Carroll gives some answers, and tells some jokes, in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast. Philosophy Bites is made in association with the Institute of Philosophy.
(review, feed)

Big Ideas
Sara 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
(review, feed)

Shrink Rap Radio
Practical Life Philosophy with Brian Johnson
A few years ago Brian decided to sell the business he was running and give himself a Ph.D. in Optimal Living. He couldn’t find a program that integrated everything he wanted to study—from old school philosophy, positive psychology and spirituality to nutrition, health & fitness, creativity, business and modern self-development. So, he decided to create his own doctoral program.
(review, feed)