Overview

 

“This House Believes the Social Contract Is Fraying at the Edges"

Is the invisible agreement that binds citizen and state beginning to unravel?

Join us for a gripping debate where we tackle one of the most pressing questions of our time: Has  the social contract—the foundational promise of mutual obligation  between the individual and society—begun to falter under modern  pressures?

For centuries, the idea of the social  contract has underpinned Western political thought, shaping everything  from democratic ideals to our expectations of government. But today,  rising inequality, distrust in institutions, mass protests, digital  surveillance, and democratic backsliding raise urgent questions. Are  governments still delivering on their end of the bargain? Are citizens  still willing to uphold theirs?

In this intellectual showdown:

Proponents will argue that the social contract has become threadbare, pointing to a breakdown in trust, widening social divides, and systemic failures in healthcare, education, and justice.

Opponents will counter that the contract is evolving, not eroding—and that citizens have more tools than ever to shape their societies.

Whether  you’re a legal philosopher, political sceptic, or just curious about  how society holds together, this is not a debate to miss.

🔍 Come challenge assumptions, reimagine governance, and ask: What do we owe to each other—and is that promise still being kept?

Tickets and further details here

Our online events are intended to be welcoming and friendly spaces. Please read our Code of Conduct before joining this session and keep this in mind when taking part.