Thomistic Libertarianism

Here we go:

ABSTRACT: This paper addresses the inherent libertarianism within the Summa Theologicae of St. Thomas Aquinas. Thomistic libertarianism is the very essence of Fulton Sheen’s admonishment that freedom is indeed the ability to do not as one might wish, but as one ought to do. Aquinas is often borrowed by modern, secular philosophical theories without much regard to Aquinas’ own ideas of how a government should function. Specifically criticizing Russell Kirk’s treatment of conservativism and the role of government, this paper defends the idea that freedom is the epitome of both Catholic governance and libertarian thought, and Thomistic libertarianism indeed possesses a rich tradition and strong foundational support that stands in stark contrast to the more Calvinistic conservativism espoused by Kirk and the free-for-all Libertinism advocated by more objectivist and otherwise secular libertarians.

Of course, this is the roughest of rough drafts and a work in process since January, but it is coming along and close to completion. More to come later.