Psyche

Bettany Hughes examines her psyche in her archaeology of philosophy.

The surprising and invigorating history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, described as 'a double espresso shot of philosophy, history, science and the arts'. Award--winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history, and how they've shaped us.

In this programme Bettany investigates her psyche and those of philosopher Angie Hobbs, Byzantinist
Dr Dionysios Stathakopoulos, writer and broadcaster Lisa Appignanesi and neuroscientist Patrick Haggard. Bettany travels to Athens to see where these ideas were born and then explores the street markets, churches, offices and homes where they continue to morph and influence our daily lives.

Other ideas examined in series include idea, desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace, hospitality, charisma, irony, nemesis and virtue.

Series Producer: Dixi Stewart.