Catholic Reservations about the Liberal Conception of Liberty and Social Order

This article is a contribution to the recurrent debates on (in)compatibility between Catholic and liberal tradition. It focuses differences these traditions concerning their conceptual foundations: liberty and, more extensively, social order. In first part, characterizes most important doctrinal elements of political theory. tradition, emphasis upon normative ontological individualism primacy individual liberty. ontology offers rich understanding order where it differentiates partnerships communities. linked specific conceptualization common good which robustly conceived than in its counterparts. second delineates different meanings contemporary demonstrates that tradition unambiguously prefers positive concept Next, dialectically moves autonomy. Some versions autonomy are closer others, but overall, conception based richer metaphysical foundation links with participation good. The culminates D. C. Schindler’s criticism basic building blocks thought, explains reasons why cannot accommodate counterpart.