The Thomistic Institute
Marriage as Natural Community | Prof. Joshua Hochschild
Feb 12, 2025
Joshua Hochschild, a Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University, delves into marriage as a natural community and the philosophical foundations of human interactions. He contrasts Aristotle's views on natural versus artificial communities with modern social contract theory. Hochschild discusses how technology impacts relationships, highlighting the risk of detachment in communication. He draws parallels between Aristotle's insights on community, politics, and the essential virtues for meaningful relationships, emphasizing a moral order in our social fabric.
39:55
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes the relevance of natural law in understanding marriage and community, challenging modern individualism through a philosophical lens.
- It explores how modern technology alters community interactions, risking the neglect of essential social virtues vital for marital relationships.
Deep dives
The Role of Philosophy in Theology of the Body
Philosophy significantly supports the theological framework of the body, particularly through the lens of natural law. The speaker reflects on their unique journey to Catholicism, where they acknowledged the Church's teachings on contraception well before formally joining the faith, illustrating a philosophical grounding in Catholic doctrine. This perspective highlights the necessity of articulating complex teachings such as John Paul II's Theology of the Body, which serves not only as a biblical exegesis but also as a comprehensive understanding of human nature and destiny. By presenting these teachings through natural law, it becomes essential for addressing modern ethical dilemmas and risks posed to family and community structures.
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