A World of Ideas
A series of half-hour interviews exploring the ideas and values shaping our future. A World of Ideas with Bill Moyers aired in 1988 and 1990 and featured scientists, writers, artists, philosophers, historians – some well-known but most never before seen on television – who shared their unique insights on a variety of important issues. Bill Moyers engages with these figures – “people with ideas and vision and insight” (The New York Times) and offers thought-provoking perspectives on the human condition that are both uniquely personal and relevant. (1988, 1990)
EXPLORE THE SERIES
September 12, 1988 | A World of IdeasA conversation with the filmmaker behind The Killing Fields, The Mission and Chariots of Fire explains how he sees American movies as the reflection of a nation at odds with itself.
September 13, 1988 | A World of IdeasA 1988 conversation with the biochemist and biophysicist about the looming effects of climate change.
September 14, 1988 | A World of IdeasEthicist Michael Josephson discusses society's emphasis on success — and how it may influence people to sacrifice their values.
September 15, 1988 | Updated March 25, 2015 | A World of IdeasIn his 63rd year as a teacher, the professor and historian offers historical context for understanding American society.
September 16, 1988 | A World of IdeasPart two of Bill's conversation with the British filmmaker about popular movies, their power to change society, and moviemakers and their values.
September 19, 1988 | A World of IdeasThe Mexican writer has created a role for himself as interpreter of North and South America, explaining each to the other.
September 20, 1988 | A World of IdeasJust 12 years away from the 21st century, Bill asks a medical ethicists what he thinks is the most pressing ethical issue we have to face as our population ages and great advances in science are underway.
September 21, 1988 | Updated March 25, 2015 | A World of IdeasHarvard professor, author, sociologist and civil rights commentator Anne Wortham on “social determinism” and her fears about Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision.
September 22, 1988 | A World of IdeasHarvard professor, author, sociologist and civil rights commentator Anne Wortham on “social determinism” and her fears about Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision.
September 23, 1988 | A World of IdeasThe physicist and astronomer talks with Bill about scientific inquiry, modern breakthrough in science, and the threat of nuclear war.
September 26, 1988 | A World of IdeasThe author of the literary classic Catch-22 joins Bill Moyers to talk about democracy, American politics and why he hasn't voted in 20 years.
September 27, 1988 | Updated March 27, 2015 | A World of IdeasIn this episode, Bellah talks to Bill Moyers about the relationship of religion to politics and society.
September 28, 1988 | A World of IdeasPhilosopher John Searle takes a detailed and passionate look back on the student activism of the 1960s.
September 29, 1988Author Chinua Achebe talks with Bill about the challenges of forging cultural identity in postcolonial Africa.
September 30, 1988 | A World of IdeasOne of America’s best-known historians talks about how modern politicians differ from those of the American Revolution.
