Open to current graduate students and faculty. Advanced undergraduates and others interested in participating should contact dstrobach@lumenchristi.org. This event is in-person only. All registrants will receive copies of the selected readings, which should be read in advance of the class. An optional wine and cheese reception will follow.
In this masterclass, we will discuss one of the most fundamental questions in Catholic social teaching: What is a society? We will track the various ways this question has been raised and answered in papal teaching from Leo XIII through the current pontificate of Pope Francis. We will see that tracing the magisterium’s treatment of the nature of society allows us to assess the coherence of modern Catholic social doctrine, and it also enables us to explore other pressing issues. Are there societies necessary for human flourishing? If so, which ones? Can we truthfully speak of an international or global society? If so, what are our obligations to such a society?
Readings:
The readings will consist of an essay by Russell Hittinger and selections from papal documents from Leo XIII to Francis.
Both the required and recommended readings will be distributed to participants via Dropbox and PDFs. If you prefer, you can pick up a printout of the readings at Gavin House (1220 E. 58th Street) Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm once they are ready. Please email David Strobach at dstrobach@lumenchristi.org to let us know you are coming.
Schedule:
1:30-2:00 | pre-event pastries and coffee
2:00-3:20 | Session 1
3:20-3:40 | Coffee break
3:40-5:00 | Session 2
5:00-5:30 | Reception
