Catholic Social Ethics
J. Brian Benestad, Ph.D.
This course traces major themes in Catholic social teachings by using the USCCB document: “Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions.” The topics suggested by the USCCB are: Life and Dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family, Community and Participation, Rights and Responsibilities, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, Dignity of Work and the Right of Workers, Solidarity, and Ecology.
12 30-minute Lectures
- Introduction
- The Dignity of the Human Person
- The Meaning of the Common Good I
- The Meaning of the Common Good II
- Seeking the Common Good through Virtue and Grace
- Justice and Social Justice
- The Dependence of the Common Good on Public Policy
- Human Rights and Natural Law
- Catholic Social Teaching, the Life Questions, and Bioethics
- Just War Principles
- The Role of the Clergy and the Laity
- Liberal Education and Education to Justice