From Aristotle to Hawking

Asking how you tell what's real and what isn't sounds like an obvious question. But in this series of six programmes, James Burke shows that the more you think about it the harder it is to answer. After all, what have you got, apart from your five senses, to prove those senses are giving you the real thing?

Brian Greene is going to let you in on a secret: We've all been deceived. Our perceptions of time and space have led us astray. Much of what we thought we knew about our universe-that the past has already happened and the future is yet to be, that space is just an empty void, that our universe is the only universe that exists-just might be wrong.

Professor Alice Roberts travels across Greece and thousands of years back to our collective past, tracing how the Ancient Greeks developed philosophy, art, theatre and democracy.

Who was Homer, and what is the meaning of The Odyssey? In this documentary we follow the footsteps of Ulysses, also known by his Greek name Odysseus—a hero as relevant today as he was nearly three thousand years ago, on a journey across some of the most fascinating landscapes and seascapes of the Mediterranean region. With the help of prominent international scholars, we seek to resolve the questions that still surround one of humanity’s greatest literary works and its enigmatic author.

Archaeologist and historian Richard Miles traces the development of Western civilization, from the first cities in Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire. In this six-part series, Miles travels through the Middle East, Egypt, Pakistan and the Mediterranean to discover how the challenges of society -- religion and politics, art and culture, war and diplomacy, technology and trade -- were dealt with and fought over in order to maintain a functioning civilization. Stories are told of disappeared, ruined and modern cities, from ancient Iraq to modern Damascus, to reveal how successes and failures of the ancients shaped the world today.

David Malone’s 3-part series takes a fresh look at how the universe was formed, from a scientific and theological point of view. TESTING GOD re-examines the relationship between science and religion and asks: is science’s claim to victory premature?

A journey that tells the thought of the greatest protagonists of Western philosophy, from its origins to the great thinkers of the twentieth century, through the story of great contemporary philosophers.

Alain de Botton's psychobabble-free self-help course for the philosophically minded.

La Aventura del Pensamiento is a philosophy series presented by Fernando Savater about great occidental philosophers.

The Essential Lectures of Alan Watts video series was recorded in 1971 above Muir Woods, California, and in 1972 aboard the ferryboat the SS Vallejo in Sausalito. Produced by his son Mark and directed by long-time archivist Henry Jacobs, the series explores core philosophical themes that spawned over Watts' career.

Alastair Sooke explores the riches and unique legacy of Greek art.

Historian Bettany Hughes has embarked on an epic, personal journey. Inspired by Homer's The Odyssey, she will sail the unpredictable Mediterranean seas, tracing Odysseus's long journey home. Her mission: to experience what the Greek hero experienced and to uncover truths behind the myths and legends, all while enjoying the delights of ancient Greece today. Follow her 1,700-mile adventure as it takes her to over a dozen islands and 22 historic sites and puts her through two hair-raising storms and even an earthquake.

Churches: How to Read Them

In Introduction to Nietzsche, an eight-hour course, Dr. Peterson embarks on a deep exploration of the life, philosophy, and enduring influence of Friedrich Nietzsche. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th century, we examine how Nietzsche's ideas challenged traditional moral and philosophical foundations, paving the way for new perspectives on the human condition. The course delves into key concepts such as the will to power, the critique of truth and morality, and the affirmation of life in the face of nihilism, while also exploring Nietzsche's complex relationship with religion, academia, and the works of other thinkers. Ultimately, we are invited to confront uncomfortable realities, embrace necessary struggles, and cultivate the courage and gratitude needed to realize our full potential.

In The Philosophy of Science, an eight-hour course, Dr. James Orr traces the development of science from ancient Greece through the Scientific Revolution to today. He examines how theological, institutional, and philosophical forces shaped science, while tackling key issues like the demarcation problem of science versus pseudoscience, Hume’s problem of induction, Kuhn’s theory of paradigm shifts, and the realism debate. The course also engages fascinating unresolved questions raised by cosmology, neuroscience, and quantum mechanics, ultimately arguing that scientific progress does not eliminate philosophical inquiry but rather deepens it, revealing new mysteries that demand philosophical analysis.

In Aristotle: From Logic to Life, an eight-hour course, Dr. Orr explores Aristotle's comprehensive philosophical system, tracing his life, empirical methodology, and key contributions to logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and poetics. We examine his theories of substance, causation, virtue ethics, eudaimonia (human thriving), political life, and his analysis of tragedy and catharsis. The course follows his impact from medieval rediscovery and tensions with monotheism to contemporary revivals, showing why Aristotle remains a vital guide for modern philosophy.

In Ancient Philosophy, a seven-hour course, Dr. Orr takes us on an exploration of the rich history of ancient Greek thought, beginning with the foundational ideas of the Ionian and Eleatic schools and voyaging through the transformative philosophies of Plato and Aristotle. The course also examines the emergence of Stoicism and Epicureanism during the Hellenistic period, emphasizing their distinct approaches to ethics, nature, and the human condition. Throughout the course, we trace the evolution of pivotal concepts in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics that have shaped Western thought for millennia, underscoring the enduring relevance and transformative power of ancient Greek philosophy in modern times.

In God, The Bible & Humanity, a five-hour course, Bishop Robert Barron explores the nature of God, the biblical narrative, and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ through the lens of Catholic theology. Drawing from the Old and New Testaments, he examines themes such as God's transcendence and immanence, the importance of right worship, spiritual liberation, and the roles of priest, prophet, and king. The course culminates in a profound reflection on the Sermon on the Mount and the transformative power of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

In Maps of Meaning, a twelve-hour course, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson explores the foundations of human consciousness, perception, and the pursuit of meaning. Drawing from psychology, mythology, and neuroscience, he examines how we navigate the tension between order and chaos—not as passive observers, but as active participants guided by goals and values. Central to this exploration is the archetypal hero’s journey, which shows how voluntarily confronting suffering and taking responsibility can transform both the individual and society. Grounded in decades of research and personal experience, Dr. Peterson reveals how religious symbols, archetypal narratives, and social hierarchies shape both the individual mind and collective culture. Through powerful insights, the course demonstrates that proper orientation toward the highest good enables us to transform chaos into meaningful order.

In The Sermon on the Mount, an eight-hour course, Dr. Jordan Peterson explores the profound wisdom and symbolism embedded in this foundational biblical text, highlighting the transformative power of living by Christ-like principles. He offers a deep dive into key passages, such as the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing the importance of humility, self-reflection, and the pursuit of meaning when facing life’s challenges. Throughout the lectures, Dr. Peterson masterfully integrates biblical narratives, Jungian psychology, and personal stories, illustrating the enduring relevance of these teachings for navigating the complexities of the human experience.