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Mark Vernon on Political Doubt

Episode 1 of 5

Mark Vernon argues that disliking doubt in politics implies a loss of faith in it, and that politicians should stop cultivating delusions of omnipotence.

Mark Vernon on political doubt.

"Forget that life is enveloped not just by known unknowns but unknown unknowns, and you will fall like Icarus from the sky".

In the Essay this week, five contributors - journalists Mark Vernon, Madeleine Bunting, Alastair Campbell; scientist Susan Greenfield, and historian Jennifer Michael Hecht - make The Case for Doubt - the idea that political, religious, and scientific doubt, even self-doubt, though sometimes troubling, is much more useful and valuable than fixed opinions and beliefs.

In this first Essay on doubt in politics, author and broadcaster Mark Vernon argues that a dislike of doubt in politics implies a loss of faith in politics, and that politicians - for their sake as well as ours - should stop cultivating delusions of omnipotent power.

Producer David Coomes

First broadcast in April 2012.

15 minutes

Last on

Mon 29 Apr 2013 22:45

Broadcasts

  • Mon 9 Apr 2012 22:45
  • Mon 29 Apr 2013 22:45

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