Known as the “Father of Modern Medicine,” Ibn Sina was a Persian polymath whose writings transformed science, philosophy, and ethics. In this episode, Roy traces the turbulent world Ibn Sina lived in, the intellectual traditions that shaped him, and the groundbreaking discoveries that continue to impact our lives today. Takeaways: The political and cultural ... Show More
Feb 2026
Genocide & Dreams: Iraq
Iraq’s modern history is often told through war and geopolitics, but far less often through memory, trauma, and survival. In this lecture, Dr. Roy explores Iraq through the intertwined lenses of genocide, imperial ambition, and the fragile dreams that persist in the aftermath of ... Show More
1h 46m
Feb 2026
Activism in the US: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Activism has shaped the United States at every stage of its history, but not always in the ways we remember. In this lecture, Dr. Roy traces the evolution of American activism from labor movements and civil rights struggles to modern protest culture, examining how power actually ... Show More
2h 6m
Apr 2024
Ibn Sina (Avicenna) - The Greatest Muslim Philosopher?
<p>Dive into the timeless wisdom of Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, and his philosophy. Explore the profound teachings and contributions of this influential Islamic philosopher, physician, and polymath. From his groundbreaking philosophical works to his advancements in medicine ... Show More
1h 17m
Dec 2020
Ibn al-Haytham, First Scientist
Ibn al-Haytham made massive contributions to the world’s understanding of light and vision through experiments that he did during a prolonged house arrest in the early 11th century. He also wrote about medicine, philosophy, astronomy, math and ethics. Learn more about your ad-ch ... Show More
29m 49s
Oct 2023
Who was Hunayn ibn Hishaq?
<p>How did this famed Arab physician shape the future of medicine and influence the Muslim Empire for centuries to come? From his humble beginnings as an outspoken student, he would later become the head of the House of Wisdom, the creator of eye medicine, and one of the most pro ... Show More
12m 46s
Sep 2023
The Golden Age of Islam and Houses of Wisdom
Join us for a journey back in time to discover the incredible Golden Age of Islam and the Houses of Wisdom! Learn how these remarkable thinkers made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and more. Explore the legendary House of Wisdom, a center of kno ... Show More
11m 54s
Sep 2023
Peter Adamson, "Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna): a Very Short Introduction" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Peter Adamson's book Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna): a Very Short Introduction (Oxford UP, 2023) provides an introduction to the most important philosopher of the Islamic world, Ibn Sīnā, often known in English by his Latinized name Avicenna. After introducing the man and his works, with an ... Show More
51m 46s
Jul 2024
Hippocrates: The Father Of Medicine
<p>Around 460 BCE, a man was born in Ancient Greece who would change medicine forever. He invented a new scientific approach to medicine that recognised disease as a natural phenomenon, rather than the will of the gods. Or at least, that's what we're told.</p><br><p>Matt Lewis jo ... Show More
41m 41s
May 2024
Sari Nusseibeh, "Avicenna's Al-Shifā': Oriental Philosophy" (Routledge, 2018)
Sari Nusseibeh's book Avicenna's Al-Shifā': Oriental Philosophy (Routledge, 2018) deals with the philosophy of Ibn Sina - Avicenna as he was known in the Latin West- a Persian Muslim who lived in the eleventh century, considered one of the most important figures in the history of ... Show More
1h 3m