Austin Enlightenment Society Meetup

📍 Location: Capital Factory, Astroboy on Floor 1

How can we redefine the role of government to better meet the needs of a rapidly changing world? Join us for an evening of exploration, dialogue, and collaborative inquiry into the shifting landscape of modern governance.

Event Overview
In an age of polarization, institutional distrust, and global complexity, many people are asking: Is our current system of government still serving us? What exactly is the U.S. system—democracy, republic, oligarchy, or something else? And if government is a contract between people and power, is that contract being upheld?

At this month’s gathering, we’ll dive into the heart of these questions and more. Through a mix of lecture, group discussion, and interactive Socratic dialogue, we’ll examine how power structures have evolved, why governments exist, and how we might rethink their design to solve the challenges of the modern world.

Agenda

• 📖 A short lecture and group discussion defining what kind of government the U.S. actually is—and where it falls short
• 🏛 A dive into social contract theory and the philosophical roots of governance, accountability, and power
• 🗣 A Socratic-style dialogue where we’ll explore key themes surrounding governance.
• 🧠 A collaborative workshop to identify and prioritize the greatest challenges facing modern governments, and define success metrics we can use to evaluate them

Who Should Attend?

• Curious minds who enjoy meaningful discussions
• Those interested in personal growth, history, and culture
• Anyone passionate about building a better world and fostering community

Expect a welcoming atmosphere, thought-provoking conversation, and the chance to connect with like-minded people who care about shaping the future.