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
October 25, 1988 | Updated March 31, 2015 | A World of IdeasThe doctor and child researcher is worried about the way the marketplace is treating families.This part of the conversation focuses on daycare and childcare options.
October 26, 1988 | A World of IdeasThe author and sociologist discusses how most inner-city blacks stay poor not because they are black, but because they live in the wasteland of the inner city.
October 27, 1988 | A World of IdeasNovelist and cultural critic Tom Wolfe shares his thoughts on Wall Street greed, "media ricochet," and the power of neighborhood politics.
October 28, 1988 | Updated March 31, 2015 | A World of IdeasThe literary critic on our common and uncommon mythologies, cultural differences, and Canada’s struggle to establish a separate identity beyond being America’s neighbor.
October 31, 1988 | A World of IdeasThe physics Nobelist discusses how the East and West approach scientific study and the understanding of scientific phenomena.
November 1, 1988 | Updated March 24, 2015 | A World of IdeasThe Caribbean-born writer speaks of poets' obsession with language and truth telling and the "divine discontent" at the heart of all art.
November 2, 1988 | A World of IdeasThe geneticist discusses her concerns with the ethics of science and genetic engineering, the dilemmas of choice, and the consequences that so often accompany scientific progress.
November 3, 1988Noam Chomsky on elections, big media and broken democracy. Part one of a two-part interview.
November 4, 1988Noam Chomsky explains how — unlike a totalitarian regime — a democracy doesn't stoop to violence to control its citizens; it uses propaganda, instead.
November 6, 1988A professor of religion at Princeton University finds in the story of Adam and Eve more than a parable from ancient faiths.
November 7, 1988A professor of religion at Princeton University finds in the story of Adam and Eve more than a parable from ancient faiths.
November 9, 1988 | Updated April 1, 2015 | A World of IdeasThe teacher and expert on policy affecting Latino communities discusses the controversy surrounding bilingual education.
November 11, 1988 | Updated April 1, 2015 | A World of IdeasThe Harvard Law professor and author compares abortion and divorce policy in the United States and Europe.
November 14, 1988In this classic interview, Louise Erdrich and Michael Dorris -- each half-Native American -- talk about their collaboration to tell the true story of Christopher Columbus.
November 15, 1988 | Updated April 1, 2015 | A World of IdeasBrown University President Vartan Gregorian discusses the rate at which knowledge increases in the information age, and how education must connect this information and life.
