The Interviews - Professor Anthony Pagden on 'The Enlightenment and Why it Still Matters'.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Beyond the Text: The Interviews! In today's episode, we're privileged to host Professor Anthony Pagden, a distinguished scholar whose work on the Enlightenment sheds light on its relevance in our modern world.Professor Pagden's academic journey spans continents, from Oxford to Santiago, Chile, and prestigious institutions like King's College, Cambridge, and UCLA. His research delves into the intellectual history of empire, cosmopolitanism, and the Enlightenment's impact on contemporary society.With over a dozen books, including The Enlightenment – and why it still matters, Professor Pagden's insights have reached global audiences. He explores how Enlightenment ideals emerged amidst challenges to religious authority, emphasising reason and social bonds over traditional frameworks.During our conversation, we'll explore the Enlightenment's departure from religious dogma, the influence of thinkers like Montaigne and Descartes, and the diverse perspectives that shaped this transformative era. We'll also discuss the legacy of Enlightenment ideals in today's liberal democracies and global institutions.Join us as we uncover why the Enlightenment matters now more than ever. Welcome, Professor Anthony Pagden!