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David Runciman

The History of Ideas Podcast
with David Runciman

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A bi-weekly podcast exploring the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, science to fiction.

Latest episode

What’s Wrong with Political Philosophy? Learning from Aristotle

1 February 2026

00:00 / 01:04

Today it’s the first episode in a new series asking why contemporary political philosophy struggles to make sense of the deepest problems of politics and exploring how the history of ideas might help. David talks to political theorist Paul Sagar about why looking for justice might be the wrong place to start. Instead, Paul suggests we start with Aristotle, for whom the search for justice was the problem not the solution. So what should we do instead?

To keep up with what’s coming next and for more news about the podcast do follow us on Bluesky: @ppfideas.bsky.social

Next time: Learning from Adam Smith

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More episodes

Talking Geopolitics with Helen Thompson: The Weirdness of American Power Part 2

28 January 2026

00:00 / 01:04

Talking Geopolitics with Helen Thompson: The Weirdness of American Power

25 January 2026

00:00 / 01:04

Politics on Trial: The Trial and Execution of Saddam Hussein

21 January 2026

00:00 / 01:04

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