Felix de St Vincent, a thought-provoking writer known for his articles on contemporary issues, joins the discussion about liberalism's complexities. They explore its historical roots, dating back to the religious conflicts of the Thirty Years' War. The conversation critiques egalitarianism and examines social stations within a structured community. The idea of dignity evolves from action-based to inherent, impacting self-worth. They also delve into the ethical dimensions of liberalism, asking if to oppose it means embracing cruelty while questioning the nature of freedom.
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insights INSIGHT
Liberalism's Origin in Religious Toleration
Liberalism originated in reaction to violent religious wars, seeking religious toleration for peace.
It posits that societies should find practical ways to coexist despite theological differences, rejecting absolutist religious claims.
insights INSIGHT
Liberalism vs. Medieval Stations
Liberals reject medieval hierarchical stations, insisting on legal equality for all individuals.
This contrasts with the medieval ideal where every person had a fixed social role benefiting the whole order.
insights INSIGHT
Core Values: Equality and Liberty
Equality and liberty are central liberal values, but fraternity often fades away.
Liberal freedom mainly means non-interference, unlike the participatory freedom of the ancients.
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In Before Church and State, Andrew Willard Jones presents a compelling analysis of social order within the sacramental kingdom of St. Louis IX. Jones challenges conventional understandings of the relationship between church and state in pre-modern societies. The book explores how social cohesion was achieved through shared religious beliefs and practices. It examines the role of sacraments and rituals in shaping social interactions and hierarchies. It argues that the modern separation of church and state represents a significant departure from historical norms. Before Church and State offers a unique perspective on the foundations of Western civilization, offering insight into alternative modes of social organization and governance.
Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity
Richard Rorty
In 'Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity', Richard Rorty explores the concepts of contingency, irony, and solidarity, arguing that thinkers like Nietzsche, Freud, and Wittgenstein have helped societies view themselves as historical contingencies. Rorty advocates for a liberal utopia where literature plays a crucial role in fostering human solidarity by highlighting cruelty and promoting empathy. He emphasizes the importance of separating private irony from public solidarity to achieve a more compassionate society.
After Virtue
Alistair McIntyre
Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.
Ordinary Vices
Ordinary Vices
None
Judith Shklar
The philosophers have only interpreted liberals in various ways. The point, however, is to own them.
Wherein liberalism is said in many ways, and revealed in Strauss’s war on the Redemptorists, and whether or not the Abbot of Heiligenkreuz should have the power of life or death over local peasants. The hosts are joined by Felix de St Vincent, for a rousing discussion over what liberalism is, when it began, and whether it is necessary to be “cruel to be kind, in the right measure.”
Stay tuned for part 2 where we determine whether opposing liberalism means embracing cruelty, discuss Cardinal Newman’s definition of a gentleman, and much more.
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