This fall, the Maritain Institute is pleased once again to sponsor a discussion group, the “Cercle d'études.” This title is meant to evoke a long-running discussion group hosted by the great 20th century Catholic thinkers Jacques and Raissa Maritain, devoted to open-ended explorations of vital philosophical, theological, and social issues. In that spirit, this discussion group will offer students a weekly opportunity to engage one another and faculty speakers on specific questions of deep interest.
Register for the course (PHIL 33799) or just drop by to join the discussion! Snacks provided. Please reach out to Beth Muench with any questions: espesia@nd.edu.
Speaker: Prof. David Cloutier (Theology)
Title: "How Much Is Enough? Limits on Wealth and Possessions in Christian Life"
Abstract: St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers condemn much frivolous spending, St. Thomas Aquinas makes a distinction between our desire for "natural" versus "artificial" wealth, and modern Catholic social doctrine teaches that our superfluous possessions ought to be used for what the Catechism calls "natural solidarity." But how should we think about these teachings in a culture that assumes our desire for possessions is insatiable and our standard of living must always rise? Join us for a discussion of key markers that we might use to think through this key problem for both individual Christians and the common good of the society.
