Friendship and the Common Good | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Jun 17, 2020
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Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. discusses the importance of the common good in fostering friendship and human flourishing. Topics include the role of communication, personalism in social communities, the relationship between individual and collective well-being, and the challenges posed by totalitarian threats and liberal structures of government.
Emphasizing the common good is crucial for fostering genuine friendship in society.
Aquinas' doctrine of kumunukatsio highlights the importance of mutual love and sharing in true friendship.
Combatting liberal individualism is essential to promoting authentic relationships and a culture of mutual respect.
Deep dives
DeConnick's Critique of the Personalist Doctrine on Friendship
DeConnick critiques the personalist view on friendship, which he finds worrisome. He argues that personalists incorrectly place the individual's particular good above the common good, reversing the totalitarian concept of the common good. DeConnick emphasizes the importance of the common good in fostering genuine friendship within family units and society, opposing the personalist belief that individuals form the common good.
Aquinas' Understanding of Kumunukatsio and Friendship
Aquinas' doctrine of kumunukatsio serves as the foundation of friendship. Scholars explore Aquinas' view on friendship, highlighting the importance of mutual love and sharing in a social context for true friendship. Kumunukatsio is depicted as both an enabling cause and a final cause of friendship, emphasizing the necessity of shared goods and mutual interactions in fostering genuine relationships.
DeConnick's Defense of Thomistic Teaching on the Common Good
DeConnick defends Thomistic teaching on the common good against personalist writers who prioritize the individual's particular good. He critiques personalists for departing from classical orthodoxy and advocates for maintaining a proper understanding of the common good. DeConnick asserts that the political ramifications of misinterpreting the common good can lead to societal discord and a focus on self-interest over communal flourishing.
Divergence from Thick Conceptions of the Common Good in Liberal Modernity
In liberal modernity, there is a perceived shift towards individualism over thicker conceptions of the common good. This individualistic approach may hinder the pursuit and sustenance of genuine friendship in society. The political ramifications include challenges in encouraging communal values and shared goods over individual desires, potentially impacting social cohesion and meaningful relationships.
Navigating Friendship in Contemporary Social and Political Contexts
To foster friendship effectively in current social and political environments, individuals must combat liberal individualism and embrace communal values. Pursuing genuine friendships requires prioritizing shared goods and meaningful interactions within communities and families. By focusing on the common good at the local level and striving for authentic relationships, individuals can overcome the obstacles posed by modern individualistic tendencies and promote a culture of mutual respect and connection.
