The Humanist Blockbuster and the Evolutionary Epic - Dr Alexander Hall

In this episode, we welcome Dr Alexander Hall, who discusses his
research into the popular media representation of science and
religion in the 20thcentury. He introduces us to ways of
presenting science which became common on television and radio
over the second half of the 20th century, which he calls the
‘evolutionary epic’ and the ‘humanist blockbuster’: grand,
sweeping stories about nature and evolution, that takes us from
the earliest moments of creation to now, and which in many ways
echo religious creation myths. Alex will help us trace the
history and development of these ways of presenting science,
through influential figures such as David Attenborough, Julian
Huxley, and the archetypal work of Jacob Bronowski, to help us
understand where this kind of storytelling style comes from, and
why it’s so common in Science and Nature TV. Alex will also tell
us why it’s so important to investigate media presentations of
Science and Religion if we want to understand the relationship
between science and belief in society – and as a bonus he’ll also
recommend his favourite science and religion TV and radio
programmes!