The Moment of Decision

The Moment of Decision

Author: UCTV July 21, 2026 Duration: 1:51:39
What is a decision, and why does decision-making matter in politics, history, war, and public life? This panel examines how decisions differ from choices, when decisions become political, and how theories of rational choice, game theory, cognitive bias, neuroscience, and emotion shape our understanding of judgment. They explore how constitutional, legal, cultural, and social frameworks influence government decision-making, with special attention to decisions for or against war. And they trace how history uses moments of decision to explain sovereignty, leadership, democracy, authoritarianism, and crises such as climate change. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 41450]

Ever wonder what's happening inside the laboratories, studios, and lecture halls of one of the world's most renowned public university systems? University of California Video Podcasts (Video) opens that door, offering a direct line to the minds shaping our future. Produced by UCTV, this series bypasses the headlines to bring you the raw, unfolding work of UC faculty and researchers. You'll find yourself immersed in detailed documentaries on global challenges, witness candid conversations from specialized symposiums, and enjoy performances that showcase extraordinary artistic talent-all sourced from across the ten unique campuses. This isn't a curated summary; it's front-row access to the process of discovery itself. Each episode in this video podcast stands as a deep dive into a specific idea, allowing you to see the data, hear the questions, and grasp the nuances that often get lost in translation. Whether it's a physicist breaking down a new cosmological theory or a historian presenting unearthed archives, the content prioritizes substance and clarity. Tune in to engage with complex topics made comprehensible, to satisfy a personal curiosity, or simply to experience the breadth of intellectual and creative pursuit thriving within the University of California. This podcast serves as a permanent, public archive of knowledge, entirely free and accessible.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

University of California Video Podcasts (Video)
Podcast Episodes
Sleep in Children with Neurodevelopmental Differences [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Althea Robinson Shelton, Associate Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses sleep in children with neurodevelop…
The Decision in History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:59:39
Decision-making in history affects how societies understand power, responsibility, and change. Sir Christopher Clark, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge, explains how narratives turn moments of de…
What is a Decision? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:28
Political decision-making affects governments and societies in important ways. Sir Christopher Clark, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge, explains how choices become decisions within political, le…
Menopause and Healthy Aging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:55
Menopause and healthy aging affect women’s health and well-being in important ways. Dr. Tami Rowen explains how the best available evidence shapes menopausal management, with a focus on the data and safety around hormone…
Janelle Iglesias on Art Identity and Collaboration [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:15
Art can connect personal history, community, and social change. Janelle Iglesias, Assistant Professor of Studio Art at UC San Diego, traces her path from a multicultural childhood in Queens to anthropology, ceramics, scu…
Returning to the Moon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:55
With the success of Artemis II, NASA is preparing for humanity’s return to the Moon through the ambitious Artemis Project. In this lecture, Professor Neil Farber explores the future Artemis missions, the spacecraft and t…