Description
Book SynopsisIn contemporary discussions of political and social thought theories of personalism remain largely absent. Personalism emerged, after World War I, onto the French cosmopolitan intellectual scene as a theory that puts the concept of the person at the center of politics. Responding, in part, to the chaos of an emergent modernity inaugurated by the First World War, personalism, with the exception of the theories of Pope John Paul II, has faded from secular discussions of politics. Its spirit and intellectual rigor, however, are recaptured with the publication of A Theory of Personalism. This distinctive and contemporary departure from hackneyed discussions of political theory introduces readers to a contemporary personalism rooted in the work of Bartolome de Las Casas and emerging again in the contributions of Dorothy Day, Peter Maurin as well as the liberation theology of Gustavo Guiterrez and Jon Sobrino. Thomas Rourke and Rosita A. Chazarreta Rourke introduce readers to new sources of personalism by investigating and revising the intellectual history of this theory and its development. Anyone interested in the relationship between religion and politics, poverty and political economy, and the cultural effects of globalization should read this book.
Trade ReviewRourke has succeeded in articulating the one political philosophy that could reverse the decline of our civilization: a philosophy that subordinates the market to the person. His critique of globalization is securely founded in Christian anthropology, and issues in robust practical proposals. The clarity of these pages just might help to change the world. -- Stratford Caldecott, Editor of Second Spring and Director, G.K. Chesterton Institute for Faith & Culture, Oxford UK
Rourke goes to the root issue in global politics and economics today: the concept of the human person. His book brings to light hidden and thus overlooked but critically important cultural implications of contemporary practices—that are hollowing out the substance of democracy. A thoughtful book, challenging conventional categories of 'right' and 'left'. -- David L. Schindler, Dean and Gagnon Professor of Fundamental Theology, John Paul II Institute, Washington, D.C.
Thomas Rourke is among the ablest of the younger generation of political theorists at work in this country. His latest book, A Theory of Personalism, sets forth a point of view which, he forcefully maintains, is vital to meeting the current malaise in America and Europe. It concerns what it means to be a human person. It draws strength from the fact that it is ancient, has been shaped and polished over the course of many centuries, and is carefully balanced, resting primarily on a Christian base but drawing on the wisdom of ancient Greece. Rourke's exposition of the personalist point of view is clearly written, beautifully organized, and learned. It is quite accessible to the general reader but will also be of interest to professional political theorists. -- Glenn Tinder, University of Massachusetts
This passionate defense of personalism offers an alternative to the secular philosophies of liberal capitalism and socialism. Recommended. * CHOICE *
A Theory of Personalism addresses the symptoms of our modern malaise, a malaise which is at once political, economic, and cultural—but ultimately religious.... Solutions can be found in the Rourkes' book. In them we see a Catholic approach to our difficulties, an approach that is largely unknown because it does not fit well with the paradigm of either Right or Left. * New Oxford Review *
Theologically and philosophically profound; politically and economically astute. A rare and satisfying combination. -- Clarke E. Cochran, Texas Tech University
The cumulative effect of the chapters is compelling. -- John W. Carlson * Theological Studies *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Personalism and Political Theory Chapter 2 The Ontology of the Person in Light of Reason and Faith Chapter 3 The Person and Political Order Chapter 4 The Person and Political Economy Chapter 5 The Person and Political Culture
