Dominik’s Radio Times

Guest

Rupert Read

Rupert Read was a philosopher at the University of East Anglia, an environmentalist, and a Green Party city councillor in Norwich who practiced Buddhism and Quakerism. Rupert Read discussed his books 'Philosophy for Life' and 'There Is No Such Thing as a Social Science', as well as the philosophy of Thomas Kuhn and Wittgenstein. He also spoke about religion, a critique of Richard Dawkins, and a proposal to webcast Norwich council deliberations for transparency.

3 appearancesInterviewCommunity ChestHumanities Conversations1 selected clip

On air

  • InterviewCommunity Chest4 January 2008

    Rupert Read: Religion And Philosophy

    In this interview from the programme Community Chest, Dominik speaks with philosopher, environmentalist, and Green Party councillor Rupert Read. Read discusses his books "Applying Wittgenstein" and "Philosophy for Life", arguing that religion is defined more by practice than by statement. The conversation covers the tension between broadcasting policies on offence and serious religious debate, a critique of Richard Dawkins' caricature of religion, and the idea that faith in science as a universal solution is itself a religious viewpoint. Read, who describes himself as a non-theist and non-atheist practicing Buddhism and Quakerism, suggests a synthesis of the best elements of religion as a hope for humankind against the 'religion' of consumerism. Dominik contributes his perspective as an atheist with a Christian family background.

    What they talked about

    • The application of Wittgenstein's philosophy to religion and language
    • The tension between broadcasting policies on offence and the nature of religious debate
    • Critique of Richard Dawkins' views on religion
    • The relationship between science and faith
    • The intersection of spirituality, practice, and personal identity
    • The intersection of religion, liberalism, and civic society
    • Philosophy for Life book

    Listen

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  • InterviewCommunity Chest

    Rupert Read: Local Democracy And Philosophy

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  • InterviewHumanities Conversations

    Rupert Read: Social Science

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Rupert Read On Belief And Philosophy

Community Chest · Spoken extract

A discussion of religion, atheism and agnosticism.

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