A couple of online essays attracted my attention as the sort of thing those interested in the theoretical underpinnings of Catholic social teaching might find interesting...
First, an essay from Crisis Magazine reflecting on the debate among American Catholics on the nature of Catholic social teaching. (Here.) In essence, the question is whether (or to what extent) such social teaching forms a body of thought that can act as a coherent alternative to (particularly) liberal economics; or whether it is instead a collection of insights that can humanize, but not replace, such economic thinking. (I've previously noted this sort of exchange here.) My initial thoughts on this are that part of the problem is the isolation of Catholic social teaching: if it is seen (as I think it should be) as simply Catholic moral theology applied to human beings living together, then it becomes implausible to see it as (in some sense) optional for Catholics. On the other hand, it is certainly part of Catholic teaching that the application of general principles to concrete circumstances is never a precise matter and is one that requires the exercise of practical wisdom (prudentia). This might suggest that the more concrete proposals found in some Catholic teaching in this area would be applicable only in concrete circumstances of a specific time and place.
Secondly, there is a book review/essay on political Augustianism (ie political thought as influenced by St Augustine). Much to reflect on. (Here.)
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