For decades, technology encouraged us to squander our time as passive consumers. Today, technology has finally caught up with human potential. In his new book Cognitive Surplus: Creativity and Generosity in a Connected Age, Clay Shirky examines the changes we will all enjoy as our untapped resources of talent and goodwill are put to use at last.

Since the post-war boom, we've had a surfeit of intellect, energy, and time - a cognitive surplus. Shirky argues that this cognitive surplus - rather than being some strange new departure from normal behaviour - actually returns our society to forms of collaboration that were natural to us up to and through the early 20th century. He also charts the vast effects that our cognitive surplus, aided by new technologies, will have on 21st century society, and how we can best exploit those effects, and how the choices we make are not only economically motivated but driven by the desire for autonomy, competence, and community.

Tweet using #foishirky to get involved in the debate before, during and after the event.

Fee: £7.00 full / £5.50 concessions.

Please note this event is now SOLD OUT - contact Box Office 0117 927 5100 to join the waiting list.