The Social Contract Revisited

In Western democratic societies, the demands made on the modern state have increased to the point that it is held responsible for the distribution of a whole range of social goods, from education and medical care to adequate employment conditions and pension provisions.


The aim of this programme is to establish the theoretical and institutional underpinnings that characterize the reciprocal rights and obligations amongst citizens and between the citizens and the state in modern liberal society.

It does so through the notion of a social contract, a concept which once featured prominently in classic legal and political theory, as a means of reassessing the relationship between the individual and the state.


The Social Contract Revisited Advisory Board

Paul Dodyk Chair

Neil Gilbert

Matthew Diller

Carole Pateman 

Fred D’Agostino

Income Support Report

Taxation report front cover

The report and policy briefs from our recent workshop on taxation and the social contract are now available.

Download them here

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