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The idea of the common good has been used within Catholic social teaching for many years. But, together with the related idea of “social justice”, it is often misunderstood as utopian or coercive. It is also misunderstood in utilitarian terms as an alternative to the “general welfare”.

The common good in its true sense relates more to a settled pluralism of identities and interests, the shared life of a society to which everyone freely contributes and is able to flourish and reach fulfilment. At a time of great uncertainty, this event will explore the meaning of this powerful concept and why it is important in our social and political discourse now.

Against the backdrop of the complex challenges facing the country, the panel will examine how the common good can be understood by people of all religions and none in the reweaving of a good and healthy society.

As a society, we have become disconnected -  with most of us spending less and less time with people who are different (as defined by age, race, or class, earning power or education). 

But the more time we spend with people unlike ourselves, the more understanding, tolerant and friendly we become. Join Jon Yates, Executive Director of the Youth Endowment Fund and author of, 'Fractured: Why Our Societies Are Coming Apart and How We Put Them Back Together Again' and Nesta CEO Ravi Gurumurthy as they explore how the pandemic has created an unprecedented opportunity for us to come together.

The focus of much of social and economic policy and rights-based rhetoric is the individual. However, we all grow up in and belong in families. That is so, even if families come in all shapes and sizes and are sometimes fragile and face immense challenges.

But there is evidence that the focus on the individual can create conditions that weaken family life. It is the family in which we are formed, it is where we learn to share resources, reconcile collective goals with our unique individuality, grow up and then assist the older generation, returning the love and service we received as children. The family is the fundamental unit of socialisation and the foundation upon which the common good is built.

Drawing on the first event and acting as a precursor to the two subsequent events in the series, our panel will consider what needs to happen in civil society and public policy to create the conditions in which the family can fulfil its critical role.

It is sometimes thought that responsibility for the common good falls only upon the state. In fact, the common good also depends on each individual, family and civil society institutions working in harmony, each taking responsibility at the appropriate level. Each has a role, contributing to fraternity and the spiritual and social capital necessary for a healthy society.

At their best, associations, businesses, clubs, churches and other faith groups, charities and other local institutions all play a vital part in promoting the common good, enabling people to find fulfilment together. Looking beyond the Covid crisis, this event will assess the capacity of our institutions to fulfil their responsibilities as we work towards civic renewal.

Examining its strengths and weaknesses across 21st Century Britain, our panel will consider what steps each of us can take, and how public policy can assist, to enable civil society to fulfil its vital role. 

Though the family and civil society have their own responsibilities for the common good, there is, of course, a role for the state.

The appropriate role for the state is contested even amongst those who are dedicated to the promotion of the common good. Some argue for a strong, centralised state that guides the economy and explicitly supports civil society and the family. Meanwhile, others prefer a decentralised model, rooted in the renewal of place, and in the revitalising of local and regional institutions. Others believe that only a more hands-off approach will allow civil society and the family the room, freedom and resources to flourish.

Our final panel in the series will investigate the role of government in promoting the common good – from ideas to action.