The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture
WOF 448: Freedom & Political Order w/ Patrick Deneen—Part I
Jul 29, 2024
Patrick Deneen, a professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame, dives into compelling discussions on freedom and political order. He critiques liberalism's paradoxes and its impact on traditional institutions vital for virtue. Deneen contrasts classical and modern notions of government, revealing how prioritizing individual desires can lead to self-imposed tyranny. He also reflects on Tocqueville’s insights regarding the crucial role of religion in maintaining societal balance and the shifting confidence in Catholicism across generations.
40:16
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Quick takeaways
- Liberalism's inherent self-destructive nature stems from its principle of absolute freedom, conflicting with traditional values of self-restraint and virtue.
- The emerging generation's growing discontent with liberalism suggests a potential shift towards prioritizing family and community over individualistic values.
Deep dives
The Self-Destructive Nature of Liberalism
Liberalism's failure is traced back to its own principles rather than external adversaries, making it inherently self-destructive. The ideal of liberalism centers on absolute freedom, which contrasts sharply with traditional views of liberty that value self-restraint and virtue. As liberalism advanced, it shaped institutions such as schools and family life, altering their original purposes to align with a modern understanding of freedom. This redefinition has contributed to various contemporary societal crises, revealing the costly consequences of a philosophy that idealizes unrestrained individual desire.
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