What Are We Voting for Anyway? Prudence in a Democracy | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Nov 10, 2020
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Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., discusses prudence and justice in a democracy, emphasizing virtuous voting for common goods. They explore different forms of justice, societal interactions, voting prudence, and civic participation, highlighting the ethical considerations in voting for candidates with conflicting values.
Understanding the sacred tradition of voting in American democracy amidst election discourse.
Applying Aquinas's teachings on justice and prudence to modern voting practices and decision-making.
Emphasizing the importance of prudence in guiding virtuous choices, addressing ethical dilemmas, and prioritizing values for the common good in electoral participation.
Deep dives
The Significance of Voting in American Politics
Voting plays a vital role in American politics, especially during election cycles. The episode discusses the importance of understanding the nature, purpose, and significance of voting in the American democratic system amidst a culture heavily saturated with election-related discourse. It highlights the encouragement for citizens to vote and explores the underlying principles that define voting as a sacred tradition within the American Republic.
The Influence of Aquinas in Voting Ethics
Aquinas's teachings, particularly on justice and prudence, serve as a guiding framework for understanding virtuous voting practices. The episode delves into how Aquinas's insights, despite originating in the 13th century, offer timeless wisdom applicable to modern democratic contexts. His emphasis on the relationship between faith and reason as well as the nature of human interactions within societies provides valuable insights into voting behavior and decision-making.
Examining the Role of Prudence in Voting Selections
Prudence emerges as a crucial virtue in the context of electoral decision-making, guiding voters towards virtuous choices. The episode reflects on the importance of exercising prudence when faced with dilemmas such as choosing between two perceived evils or navigating conflicting priorities in the selection of political candidates. It underscores the nuanced interplay between prudence, justice, and the pursuit of the common good in electoral participation.
Understanding the Hierarchical Ordering of Political Values
The podcast explores the concept of hierarchically ordering political values based on objective principles rather than individual preferences. It emphasizes the inherent prioritization of certain values over others within the framework of seeking the common good. By drawing insights from Aquinas's teachings on the natural order of goods, the episode encourages listeners to align their voting decisions with the pre-existing hierarchical arrangement of values for the benefit of society.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas Through Voting
Addressing ethical dilemmas and decision-making in voting scenarios, the episode discusses the moral implications of choosing the 'lesser of two evils' and navigating complex issues in electoral choices. It encourages listeners to consider the inherent ordering of values, the pursuit of justice, and the implications of voting behaviors on the common good, offering insights into how individuals can navigate challenging decisions within the electoral process.
This lecture was given at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Arlington, VA on October 19, 2020.
For more information on this and other events go to thomisticinstitute.org/events-1
About the Speaker:
A native of Louisiana, Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., entered the Dominican Province of St. Joseph in 2005. After several years of pastoral work in New York City, Fr. Guilbeau began doctoral studies in moral theology at the University of Fribourg, where he completed a dissertation on St. Thomas Aquinas’s doctrine of the common good. In addition to his teaching as a professor of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, Fr. Guilbeau serves as senior editor of Aleteia.org (English edition). He is also the current prior of the Dominican House of Studies.
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