Moderator: Prof. Jason Blakely

Readings: MacIntyre, Dependent Rational Animals: Ch. 1 (pp. 1-9), Ch.8 (pp. 81-89), Ch.9 (pp. 99-100), Ch. 10 (pp. 119-128), Ch. 11 (pp. 129-130).

The renowned Catholic philosopher, Alasdair MacIntyre, argues that most political theories neglect one central fact about human beings: our dependency on each other. We are born more helpless than other species and spend much of our lives in physical need or disability. This simple fact is concealed by modern consumerism, individualism, and philosophies that forget about our bodies. What would it look like to educate humans, build an economy, and organize political communities in ways that finally recognize our dependency? MacIntyre believes that the Catholic intellectual tradition has vital resources to help us to answer these questions.

Seminar Schedule:

9:00-9:30 Mass in Church of Our Savior (optional)
9:30-10:00 Coffee & donuts on the patio
10:00-11:30 Session 1 in Newman Hall
11:30-12:30 Buffet Lunch outside on the patio
12:30-1:30 Session 2 in Newman Hall