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08/10/2011 GMT

We explore the hidden mesh of forces that dictate many aspects of our lives, both the way we think and the way we interact with the external world.

One of the world's leading evolutionary biologists, Robert Trivers, explains why he thinks our failure to see clearly is nothing new, since self-deception is a basic tool of evolution. But if we are hard-wired to fool ourselves, is there any point in fighting it?

How much do you think about the gigantic databases that may be silently influencing your online choice? Who is really in control? You? Or a set of algorithms you neither see nor register? Food for thought from information specialist Jannis Kallinikos.

Urban technology visionary Carlo Ratti suggests that harnessing real-time data from the millions of embedded sensors in everyday objects could revolutionize not just the way we navigate our cities but also the way we shop, work and relax.

Illustration by Emily Kasriel: digital networks in the clouds manipulating us to deceive ourselves.

Available now

41 minutes

Last on

Sun 9 Oct 2011 14:05GMT

Chapters

  • Part 1

    Robert Trivers: Self-deception

    Duration: 17:15

  • 60 second idea

    Answer another person's emails on their behalf for an hour or two.

    Duration: 05:45

  • Part 2

    Jannis Kallinikos: New Everyday

    Duration: 06:35

  • Carlo Ratti

    Carlo Ratti: Interactive City

    Duration: 10:34

Broadcasts

  • Sat 8 Oct 2011 08:05GMT
  • Sat 8 Oct 2011 21:05GMT
  • Sun 9 Oct 2011 01:05GMT
  • Sun 9 Oct 2011 14:05GMT

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

Do you think political or business leaders need to be charismatic? Or do you prefer highly competent but somewhat stern people?

We鈥檇 love to hear your views on charm and charisma for a future Forum.

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