PICK OF TODAY’S RADIO

THE LONG HISTORY OF ARGUMENT: FROM SOCRATES TO SOCIAL MEDIA, 9AM/9.30PM, RADIO 4

THE former MP Rory Stewart (pictured) is well used to heated debate after his years spent in the House of Commons, so who better to explore the strange human phenomenon of arguing and why it matters so deeply to our lives? He begins his fascinating three-part series in the ancient world, and tries to explain why speaking and arguing well was seen as the key to a good education and the cornerstone of civilisation. Continues next week.

MOGGIE nightgown, kiss-me-quick, snotty gogs, lords and ladies . . . there’s a wonderful lexicon of traditional folk words for the thousands of native British plants and flowers. For this week’s edition of WORD OF MOUTH (4PM, RADIO 4), Michael Rosen is joined by the natural history broadcaster Brett Westwood to delve into the stories behind these fascinating terms — some funny, some mysterious and some of them rather rude.