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Milton, Shakespeare and Trump: How Rhetoric Shapes Reality

politics, arts Stanley Fish • Available Now

Instructor(s): Stanley Fish

Categories: Ideas & Ideology, Narrative & Reality, Post-Truth

Milton, Shakespeare and Trump: How Rhetoric Shapes Reality

Arguments are woven throughout our public and private lives. What determines which win the day? Renowned literary and legal theorist Stanley Fish leads us through literature, politics and the domestic to reveal the power - and inevitability - of rhetoric.

Simon Glendinning Heidegger Meets Van Gogh

Heidegger Meets Van Gogh: Art, Freedom and Technology

arts, science Simon Glendinning • Available Now

Instructor(s): Simon Glendinning

Categories: Technology & Environment , Art & Aesthetics

Heidegger Meets Van Gogh: Art, Freedom and Technology

Have we become enslaved to technology? Is our fear of losing control our greatest danger? Director of the Forum for European Philosophy Simon Glendinning explores Heidegger, art and freedom.

Biology Beyond Genes

philosophy, science Denis Noble • Available Now

Instructor(s): Denis Noble

Categories: Life & The Living, Knowledge, Science & Method

Biology Beyond Genes

Is the selfish gene metaphor radically misguided? Should we give up the idea that the gene is the foundation of life? Oxford biologist Denis Noble maps out the future for biology beyond the genome.

Knowledge and Rationality

philosophy Corine Besson • Available Now

Instructor(s): Corine Besson

Categories: Mind & Reason, Knowledge, Science & Method

Knowledge and Rationality

Is our knowledge of the world essentially rational? What does it mean to be burdened with the gift of rationality? Philosopher Corine Besson considers the nature of humanity's defining trait.

Narratives of Empire

politics Kwasi Kwarteng • Available Now

Instructor(s): Kwasi Kwarteng

Categories: The World & The Future, Ideas & Ideology

Narratives of Empire

What are the forces which drive empires? Historian and politician Kwasi Kwarteng examines imperial projects through history arguing that narratives of dominance have played a crucial role.

Evidence and Ideology

philosophy Nancy Cartwright • Available Now

Instructor(s): Nancy Cartwright

Categories: Knowledge, Science & Method

Evidence and Ideology

From drug laws to terror threats, we want political decisions to reflect the facts. But is objective evidence impossible and the facts ours to interpret? Philosopher Nancy Cartwright investigates.

The Future of Belief

philosophy John Cottingham • Available Now

Instructor(s): John Cottingham

Categories: Ethics & Religion

The Future of Belief

Has our scientific age outgrown religion? Is faith still an essential component of human existence? Philosopher and theologian John Cottingham argues for the importance of religion in the modern world.

Manufacturing Happiness

science Paul Dolan • Available Now

Instructor(s): Paul Dolan

Categories: Life & The Living, Psychology & The Brain

Manufacturing Happiness

What is the essence of happiness? How can we affirm the world and ourselves? Behavioural scientist Paul Dolan presents his account of the nature of the good life and how we achieve it.

Realism in Perspective

philosophy Michela Massimi • Available Now

Instructor(s): Michela Massimi

Categories: Knowledge, Science & Method

Realism in Perspective

Can science and knowledge be true when they arise from a human vantage point? Philosopher of Science Michela Massimi brings together realism and perspectivism to forge a new kind of realism on science.

The Science of Psychedelics

philosophy, science David Nutt • Available Now

Instructor(s): David Nutt

Categories: Mind & Reason, Psychology & The Brain

The Science of Psychedelics

What impact do psychedelic drugs have on the brain? What does research show about their potential for use? Psychiatrist David Nutt examines the evidence behind some common misconceptions.

Unveiling Reality

philosophy, science Bryan Roberts • Available Now

Instructor(s): Bryan Roberts

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Knowledge, Science & Method

Unveiling Reality

Are there mysteries that science cannot explain? Do we still need philosophy in order to understand the universe? Philosopher of physics Bryan Roberts explores the limits of our greatest source of knowledge.

Why The World Exists

science John Ellis • Available Now

Instructor(s): John Ellis

Categories: The Universe & Reality

Why The World Exists

Where did the universe come from? What don’t we understand about its future? From dark energy to cosmic inflation, theoretical physicist John Ellis gives a contemporary account of how it all began.

The Future of Money

politics Nigel Dodd • Available Now

Instructor(s): Nigel Dodd

Categories: The World & The Future, Ideas & Ideology

The Future of Money

Money is the fantasy that makes the world go round. Where did it come from and what is its future? From the Bank of England to Bitcoin and the Bristol Pound, LSE sociologist Nigel Dodd explores.

The Universe As We Find It

philosophy, science John Heil • Available Now

Instructor(s): John Heil

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Metaphysics & Language

The Universe As We Find It

Didn’t science kill philosophy? Can metaphysics uncover the way the world is? Philosopher John Heil revives metaphysics and confronts the big questions of substance, causation and consciousness.

Transformative Technologies and the Future of Punishment

philosophy, science Rebecca Roache • Available Now

Instructor(s): Rebecca Roache

Categories: Ethics & Religion, Technology & Environment

Transformative Technologies and the Future of Punishment

From mind uploading to moral enhancement, future technologies will offer radical new possibilities for punishment. How should these new tools be used? Philosopher Rebecca Roache explores the future of justice.

Hallucinations

science Richard Bentall • Available Now

Instructor(s): Richard Bentall

Categories: Psychology & The Brain

Hallucinations

Are the voices in our heads more than just mental disorders? Clinical psychologist Richard Bentall uncovers the origin of hallucinations and argues they have been radically misguided.

The Sex Work Fantasy

politics Julie Bindel • Available Now

Instructor(s): Julie Bindel

Categories: Culture & Sexuality

The Sex Work Fantasy

Is sex-work a job like any other? What lies behind the image of the ‘happy hooker’? Radical feminist activist and journalist Julie Bindel challenges an emerging neoliberal story.

The Human Compass

philosophy, politics Janne Teller • Available Now

Instructor(s): Janne Teller

Categories: Ethics & Religion, The World & The Future

The Human Compass

Have globalisation and online anonymity broken down moral order? What should guide our actions in the 21st Century? Author of Nothing and former UN conflict resolution expert Janne Teller explores.

The World in Eleven Dimensions

philosophy, science Michael Duff • Available Now

Instructor(s): Michael Duff

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Knowledge, Science & Method

The World in Eleven Dimensions

General relativity and quantum mechanics are the most successful theories in science. But at least one is wrong. Imperial's Michael Duff outlines why M-theory is our only candidate for an ultimate theory.

Why The World Does Not Exist

philosophy, science Markus Gabriel • Available Now

Instructor(s): Markus Gabriel

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Metaphysics & Language

Why The World Does Not Exist

Can reality be described by a single theory? Does our failure to find a theory of everything expose the limits of knowledge, or might the world not exist at all? Philosopher Markus Gabriel explores.

Why Diversity Should Be Limitless

philosophy, politics Chandran Kukathas • Available Now

Instructor(s): Chandran Kukathas

Categories: Ethics & Religion, The World & The Future, Ideas & Ideology

Why Diversity Should Be Limitless

How should a free society accommodate cultural diversity? Should we tolerate the intolerable? Radical LSE political theorist Chandran Kukathas explores the tension at the heart of modern liberal society.

Dark Matter of the Mind

philosophy, science Daniel Everett • Available Now

Instructor(s): Daniel Everett

Categories: Mind & Reason, Psychology & The Brain

Dark Matter of the Mind

Does the mind arise from the brain? Is the self a fantasy? American anthroplogist and linguist Daniel Everett interrogates our assumptions and questions if the self is made from more than just matter.

The Neuroscience of Love

politics, philosophy Berit Brogaard • Available Now

Instructor(s): Berit Brogaard

Categories: Ethics & Religion, Culture & Sexuality

The Neuroscience of Love

Can love be rational? Are we ever in control? American philosopher of mind Berit Brogaard outlines her new theory of love and uncovers the simple truths about the most complex emotion.

Artificial Intelligence and the Last Man: Kenneth Cukier

The Past and the Future of Artificial Intelligence

science, politics Kenneth Cukier • Available Now

Instructor(s): Kenneth Cukier

Categories: Technology & Environment , The World & The Future

The Past and the Future of Artificial Intelligence

Is AI humanity's savior, or do the threats outweigh its benefits? Best-selling author and Data Editor of The Economist Kenneth Cukier uncovers how to be prepared for the next phase of human evolution.

New Adventures in Spacetime

philosophy, science Eleanor Knox • Available Now

Instructor(s): Eleanor Knox

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Metaphysics & Language

New Adventures in Spacetime

We live in the moment. Or so it might seem. King’s College philosopher of physics Dr Eleanor Knox reveals how Einstein’s work has radical implications for past, present and future.

Physics: What We Still Don't Know

science, philosophy David Tong • Available Now

Instructor(s): David Tong

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Metaphysics & Language

Physics: What We Still Don't Know

What’s left to discover at the deepest levels of reality? Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge David Tong gives his personal take on what we still don’t know.

The Infinite Quest

science, philosophy Peter Cameron • Available Now

Instructor(s): Peter Cameron

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Metaphysics & Language

The Infinite Quest

From Zeno to Gödel, philosophers and mathematicians have grappled with the infinite. Prize-winning mathematician Professor Peter Cameron proposes that infinity itself may be an illusion.

The History of Sex

politics, philosophy Véronique Mottier • Available Now

Instructor(s): Véronique Mottier

Categories: Ethics & Religion, Culture & Sexuality

The History of Sex

What is sexuality and how does it reflect power relations within society? Award-winning Cambridge sociologist Véronique Mottier provides a provocative cultural history.

After the Crisis

politics Anatole Kaletsky • Available Now

Instructor(s): Anatole Kaletsky

Categories: The World & The Future, Ideas & Ideology

After the Crisis

Many thought the financial crash was a final blow to capitalism. Why does it still reign supreme? Chair of the Institute for New Economic Thinking Anatole Kaletsky outlines the shape of things to come

The Meaning of Life

philosophy Steve Fuller • Available Now

Instructor(s): Steve Fuller

Categories: Ethics & Religion, Metaphysics & Language

The Meaning of Life

Does it make sense to ask for a meaning to life, and if so what might it be? Philosopher and Auguste Comte Professor at Warwick, Steve Fuller approaches the ultimate Why?

The Physics of the Possible and the Impossible: Constructor Theory

philosophy, science Chiara Marletto • Available Now

Instructor(s): Chiara Marletto

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Knowledge, Science & Method

The Physics of the Possible and the Impossible: Constructor Theory

Is information fundamental to reality? Did the universe emerge from a bundle of bits? Oxford constructor theorist Chiara Marletto outlines the new theory which seeks to explain life, the universe and everything in it.

Science vs. Religion

philosophy, science Mark Vernon • Available Now

Instructor(s): Mark Vernon

Categories: Ethics & Religion, The Universe & Reality

Science vs. Religion

What’s at the heart of the conflict between science and religion? Can it be solved? Philosopher and author Mark Vernon answers one of modernity’s most complex problems.

Nine Myths About Schizophrenia

philosophy, science Richard Bentall • Available Now

Instructor(s): Richard Bentall

Categories: Mind & Reason, Psychology & The Brain

Nine Myths About Schizophrenia

Clinical Psychologist Richard Bentall challenges nine myths of schizophrenia accepted by mental health professionals and proposes a more humane, scientific approach to care.

Minds, Morality and Agency

philosophy, science Mark Rowlands • Available Now

Instructor(s): Mark Rowlands

Categories: Ethics & Religion, Life & The Living

Minds, Morality and Agency

Do we radically misclassify animals? University of Miami Professor of Philosophy Mark Rowlands challenges the boundaries between humankind and animals as minds and moral agents alike.

Life, Meaning and Morality

arts, philosophy Christopher Hamilton • Available Now

Instructor(s): Christopher Hamilton

Categories: Ethics & Religion, Art & Aesthetics

Life, Meaning and Morality

If 'God is dead', what place does meaning and morality have in our lives? KCL philosopher and author of Living Philosophy Christopher Hamilton examines the perplexities of experience.

Fear and Trembling in the 21st Century

philosophy, politics Clare Carlisle • Available Now

Instructor(s): Clare Carlisle

Categories: Ethics & Religion, The World & The Future

Fear and Trembling in the 21st Century

From Paris to Palestine, the perils of undying faith still hold the world hostage. When should we abandon our beliefs? KCL philosopher Clare Carlisle reinterprets Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling.

The History of Fear

politics Frank Furedi • Available Now

Instructor(s): Frank Furedi

Categories: The World & The Future, Ideas & Ideology

The History of Fear

We are less familiar with pain and suffering than our ancestors, yet new forms of fear play an ever-expanding role in 21st century life. Sociologist Frank Furedi asks why.

A Brief Guide to Everything

science, philosophy John Ellis • Available Now

Instructor(s): John Ellis

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Knowledge, Science & Method

A Brief Guide to Everything

The microscopic quantum world of fermions and bosons is a far cry from the grand expansion of the universe, yet they are connected. CERN’s John Ellis offers an account of what physicists do and don’t know.

Rethinking Feminism

politics Finn Mackay • Available Now

Instructor(s): Finn Mackay

Categories: Ideas & Ideology, Culture & Sexuality

Rethinking Feminism

What goals should modern feminists adopt? “World-changing woman” (Guardian) and founder of the London Feminist Network Dr Finn Mackay outlines a bold new manifesto.

Every Thing Must Go

philosophy, science James Ladyman • Available Now

Instructor(s): James Ladyman

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Knowledge, Science & Method

Every Thing Must Go

We take it for granted that the quantum fields and particles exist. Metaphysician James Ladyman provides reasons to be skeptical about scientific knowledge. Is the evidence too strong to be denied?

End of Equality

politics Beatrix Campbell • Available Now

Instructor(s): Beatrix Campbell

Categories: Ideas & Ideology, Culture & Sexuality

End of Equality

Has neoliberalism destroyed gender equality? Advocate, author and broadcaster Beatrix Campbell examines the emergence of a new model of patriarchy and proposes solutions.

Secret Codes

science, politics Peter Cameron • Coming Soon

Instructor(s): Peter Cameron

Categories: Technology & Environment , The World & The Future

Secret Codes

In a world awash with information, mathematicians are fighting to keep our data secure. Peter Cameron gives an outline introduction to the burgeoning field of cryptography and reveals where the weak links lie.

All In The Mind

philosophy, science Mark Vernon • Coming Soon

Instructor(s): Mark Vernon

Categories: Mind & Reason, Psychology & The Brain

All In The Mind

Many see psychotherapy as an outdated and dangerous cure answer to mental illness. But do medical cures leave our inner lives unchanged? Author of Wellbeing Mark Vernon argues that we may be mistaken.

Creating Global Justice

philosophy, politics Thomas Pogge • Coming Soon

Instructor(s): Thomas Pogge

Categories: Ethics & Religion, Ideas & Ideology

Creating Global Justice

Can we end world poverty by changing the way we trade? Director of Yale’s Global Justice Programme Thomas Pogge outlines new approaches to solving a global problem.

Language, Truth and Deception

philosophy Stephen Neale • Coming Soon

Instructor(s): Stephen Neale

Categories: Metaphysics & Language

Language, Truth and Deception

Can the words we use convey what we intend? How does the nature of language explain the power of propaganda and rhetoric? Philosopher Stephen Neale explores the meaning of meaning.

The Ideas Economy

politics Deirdre McCloskey • Coming Soon

Instructor(s): Deirdre McCloskey

Categories: The World & The Future, Ideas & Ideology

The Ideas Economy

Have we misunderstood the drivers of progress? Could the ideas economy rather than capital be responsible? Economist Deirdre McCloskey argues that ideology makes the world go round.

The Truth in Beauty

arts Andrew Bowie • Coming Soon

Instructor(s): Andrew Bowie

Categories: Art & Aesthetics, Music & Performance

The Truth in Beauty

Might the realm of art be an essential vehicle of truth? Can art reveal dimensions of reality lost to science and philosophy? Philosopher and musician Andrew Bowie argues for the necessity of the aesthetic.

Our Place in the Universe

philosophy, science George Ellis • Coming Soon

Instructor(s): George Ellis

Categories: The Universe & Reality, Metaphysics & Language

Our Place in the Universe

Does physics allow free will? Templeton Prize winning cosmologist George Ellis presents his account of what chance, necessity and purpose in the universe mean for agency.

IAI Academy is a new educational platform offering courses from world-leading scholars on the ideas that matter. With a unique philosophical take on today’s biggest questions, our courses are recorded at our annual festival HowTheLightGetsIn and made available online, to everyone, for free.

Milton, Shakespeare and Trump: How Rhetoric Shapes Reality

Heidegger Meets Van Gogh: Art, Freedom and Technology

Biology Beyond Genes

Knowledge and Rationality

Narratives of Empire

Evidence and Ideology

The Future of Belief

Manufacturing Happiness

Realism in Perspective

The Science of Psychedelics

Unveiling Reality

Why The World Exists

The Future of Money

The Universe As We Find It

Transformative Technologies and the Future of Punishment

Hallucinations

The Sex Work Fantasy

The Human Compass

The World in Eleven Dimensions

Why The World Does Not Exist

Why Diversity Should Be Limitless

Dark Matter of the Mind

The Neuroscience of Love

The Past and the Future of Artificial Intelligence

New Adventures in Spacetime

Physics: What We Still Don't Know

The Infinite Quest

The History of Sex

After the Crisis

The Meaning of Life

The Physics of the Possible and the Impossible: Constructor Theory

Science vs. Religion

Nine Myths About Schizophrenia

Minds, Morality and Agency

Life, Meaning and Morality

Fear and Trembling in the 21st Century

The History of Fear

A Brief Guide to Everything

Rethinking Feminism

Every Thing Must Go

End of Equality

Secret Codes

All In The Mind

Creating Global Justice

Language, Truth and Deception

The Ideas Economy

The Truth in Beauty

Our Place in the Universe

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