Manama: The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) conducted a lecture titled "An Overview of Printed Encyclopedias" as part of its "Think Talk" series. The event was presented by Dr. Hamad Ebrahim Al Abdulla, Derasat's Executive Director, and attracted a diverse audience comprising representatives from Derasat's partner organisations and other interested individuals.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the lecture provided a comprehensive exploration of the history and development of encyclopedias, tracing their progress from ancient times to the modern era. Dr. Al Abdulla highlighted the significance of printed encyclopedias in shaping knowledge dissemination and public education.
The presentation focused on four major printed encyclopedias that have made a lasting impact on intellectual thought. Dr. Al Abdulla began with "Natural History" by Pliny the Elder, an early attempt to compile knowledge across various disciplines. He then discussed Denis Diderot's groundbreaking "Encyclop©die", which catalysed the Enlightenment, promoting reason and critical thinking.
Additionally, the lecture examined the "Encyclopedia Britannica", renowned for its authoritative contributions to academia, and the "Encyclopedia Americana", which has played a crucial role in American education and culture. Dr. Al-Abdulla emphasised how these works not only documented knowledge but also influenced societal progress.
The event concluded with a lively Q and A session, allowing attendees to engage with Dr. Al Abdulla and further discuss the relevance of encyclopedias in today's digital age. Derasat continues to foster intellectual discourse through its "Think Talk" series, promoting knowledge-sharing and collaboration among scholars and practitioners.