The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture WOF 448: Freedom & Political Order w/ Patrick Deneen—Part I
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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.
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Liberalism's Paradoxical Failure
- Liberalism's failure stems from its own principles, not external forces.
- Its pursuit of absolute freedom becomes self-destructive.
Shifting Definitions of Liberty
- Modern liberty, defined as freedom from obstacles, contrasts with classical and Christian liberty.
- Modern liberty erodes institutions that teach self-limitation, leading to societal pathologies.
Connecting the Dots
- The decay of institutions, from family to political order, can be linked to modern liberty.
- Deneen's book, Why Liberalism Failed, helps connect these societal issues.