This course proposes a theological-ontological reading of American culture. Its purpose is to frame the fundamental terms of a Catholic’s engagement with modernity and liberalism as expressed in the history of America. Readings for the course are drawn from authors influential in the founding and history of American culture, as well as from recent Catholic interpretations of the culture.
Selected Texts
Francis Bacon, The New Organon.
René Descartes, Discourse on Method.
David L. Schindler and Nicholas J. Healy, Freedom, Truth, and Human Dignity.
Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America.
Max Weber, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.
Faculty
David L. Schindler
Edouard Cardinal Gagnon Professor of Fundamental Theology
Dean Emeritus
Since 1982, Dr. Schindler has been editor-in-chief of the North American edition of Communio: International Catholic Review. He has published articles in the areas of metaphysics, philosophical issues in bioscience and technology, gender, and the relation between theology/philosophy and American culture. Professor Schindler was appointed by Pope John Paul II as a consultor to the Pontifical Council for the Laity from 2002 to 2007.
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