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
November 16, 1988 | A World of IdeasA professor of philosophy and classics at Brown, Nussbaum discusses what it takes to lead a moral life (sometimes mostly luck), and what we can learn from the ancient Greeks on virtue and tragedy.
November 17, 1988 | A World of IdeasOne of our nation’s foremost experts on the subject of change examines some of the stiff challenges facing America.
November 18, 1988 | A World of IdeasAfter a series of earnest conversations with great American thinkers, Bill Moyers looks back on what he's learned.
January 28, 1990Scientist Robert Lucky on how technology will impact our future lives.
February 4, 1990In this 1990 interview, the Bell Labs scientist tells Bill that studying computers makes him realize how beautiful it is to be human.
February 11, 1990 | A World of IdeasPatricia Churchland brings together philosophy and neuroscience to deepen our understanding what goes on inside our heads.
February 18, 1990The doctor who invented the polio vaccine believed that medical solutions are not invented, but rather revealed from nature.
February 25, 1990In part one of this 1990 interview with Bill Moyers, acclaimed author Maxine Hong Kingston explains how she blends tales of tradition and her own American experience in her writing.
March 4, 1990In the second part of this 1990 interview with Bill Moyers, author Maxine Hong Kingston explains how she blends tales of tradition and her own American experience in her writing.
March 11, 1990The writer talks about subjects that inspire both her life and writing with Bill Moyers in this classic 1990 conversation.
March 11, 1990Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Toni Morrison on the lack of discourse about race in literary criticism and the silent history of black characters in books.
March 18, 1990The brilliant young theater directory discusses music and the future of Los Angeles and its art world.
March 25, 1990 | A World of IdeasThe director of the Los Angeles Festival talks with Bill about his controversial theater work.
April 15, 1990 | A World of IdeasOn World of Ideas, the professor, writer and John D. Rockefeller descendent talks faith and democracy.
