A lecture at the Welsh Senedd on 28^th February, co-organised by the Learned Society of Wales, will celebrate the life of Richard Price, one of Wales’ most influential thinkers. 

The lecture by Dr Patrick Spero, Librarian and Director of the at the American Philosophical Society Museum (APS), is part of the 300^th anniversary celebrations of Price’s birth. 

Spero’s lecture, ‘Revolutionary Friendships: Richard Price, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and the Cause of Independence’, will explore Price’s role in the radical politics of the late 18^th Century. 

“I am especially excited to talk about Richard Price,” said Dr. Spero. “Price was a central figure in the age of revolutions, and his friendship with Franklin and Jefferson reveal new and important aspects on the political philosophy that transformed governments in Europe and the United States.”

Last month, Professor Iwan Morus FLSW, Fellow of the LSW and Professor of History and Welsh History at Aberystwyth University, delivered a lecture of his own, ‘Electrifying Thinkers’, at the APS in Philadelphia. It explored how Price’s relationship with Benjamin Franklin took their shared interest in science as the starting point for arguing that power of reason could help improve the human condition. 

“Professor Morus’ lecture in Philadelphia was a huge success”, said Professor Hywel Thomas, President of the Learned Society of Wales. 

“We’re now delighted to help arrange Patrick Spero’s return visit. 

“His lecture will strengthen our links with the American Philosophical Society while adding to the celebrations of that remarkable Welsh thinker, Richard Price.” 

The lecture at the Senedd is being arranged with Price 300, who are running a series of anniversary celebrations to mark Price’s anniversary. 

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Agenda

11:00 – 11:20: Arrivals

11:25 – 12:25: Lecture

12:30 – 13:00: Lunch

13:00 – 13:15: ‘Price of Change’ – readings

13:15 – 14:00: Roundtable Discussion