The Cogers Society is a free speech gathering, established in 1755 in the City of London. It is the oldest of its kind, as a debating club or otherwise, in the world. The name "Cogers" comes from Descartes' famous conclusion: "Cogito ergo sum". The Cogers follows the same philosophy, that thinking is what allows us to know we exist, and beyond that, expression connects us.
Members meet monthly at pubs in the centre and outside of London and begin the evening by having an impartial host rounding up the current affairs of the last month. Then all participants may take turns to have their own five minutes on the podium expressing their views as to what, what's not, and what not on any subjects they feel they would like to bring to the evening. It may be reactions to the previous speakers or their own topics.
At the end of the evening the traditional "apple of accord" is presented by the "Grand", who also moderates the timing of the speeches, to the speaker who throughout the evening brought the greatest contribution, whether that be thoughtful, entertaining, controvesial or outstanding. Participants also have the opportunity to get tips from the evening's judge on what their strengths and potentials are.
The Cogers believe that every truth can be arrived at with rational debate. That is why they invite everybody to join in, because the more arguments we can agree upon, the stronger we are in a democratic society.
Venues:
- Old Bank of England, Corner of Fleet Street and Chancery Lane, London
- The Plumbers Arms, Victoria, London
- The University of London Cogers Society (ULCS) - coming soon
