Birch Centenary Commemoration Lecture

Posted on 21. Sep, 2011 in Banner

Friday, 30th September 2011

(Butler House, Kilkenny, 8 p.m.)

THE PETER BIRCH CENTENARY COMMEMORATION LECTURE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND

(KILKENNY CAMPUS)

Professor Joseph Bergin

Department of History, University of Manchester

And Fellow of the British Academy

WHO KNEW?

What and how we learned down through the ages.

CHAIRMAN: Dr. John Bradley, Department of History

National University of Ireland Maynooth

It’s the question on everyone’s lips – from investigating judges to eager students to pre-schooler parents: how much should (or did!) we know, when should (or did!) we know it, and how should (or did!) we get the information. Down through the centuries the information ‘footprint’ has become wider and wider, from the preserve of the rich and powerful in the middle ages to the rightful legacy of the humblest ‘anorak’ in a free Wi-Fi zone today.

In this lively and informal presentation, one of the world’s most respected scholars in his field will provide a unique insight into how we have handled knowledge over the years – how demand for it has grown; how our rulers have measured its importance on our lives – or controlled our access to it; how technology has made it easier to acquire; and where the information explosion of the 21st. century will lead.

No one who has an interest in their own personal or professional development, or the education of their children, can deny that these issues are important. True to the enquiring spirit of Bishop Birch, the lecture to commemorate the centenary of his birth promises to be an important occasion in Kilkenny’s onward progress as a centre of knowledge and learning.

ADMISSION TO THIS LECTURE IS FREE TO ALL. REFRESHMENTS WILL FOLLOW.