A Philosophical Happy Hour continuing our investigation into economics, politics, Catholic Social teaching, and the restoration of the good life for humanity.
Last week, our Philosophical Happy Hour asked what Rerum Novarum, the 1891 Encyclical promulgated by Pope Leo XIII—and chief inspiration for the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name—could tell us about the future of humanity. Our conversation was wide-ranging but fruitful, and members have asked that we continue for this week’s Happy Hour; thus, in that spirit of continuity (but beginning again anew, as it were), we ask: can we restore humanity, and is such restoration necessary to ensure that humanity has a future?
The Essence of Humanity
Though a topic likely too complex to fully investigate in the short, casual span of a mere hour or two, it bears asking: do we really know what it means to be human? Too many presume today that merely being human suffices to understand humanity. But the conflicts in how people behave towards human beings reveals, it seems, that understanding is not had in common—and that, therefore, many who are human nevertheless do not understand what it means to be human in fact.
Thus, as a background to our conversation we will probe the many misunderstandings of human nature which permeate our world today. These misunderstandings, it seems, impede a just society. It therefore seems necessary that we retrieve a deeper and better intellectual grasp of what it means to be human. Only from such a grasp, indeed, can we propose doctrines about how to live.
Restoration of Human Living
More important for our discussion will be the various ways in which human beings live—the varied conditions and states of life which are not merely speculative but also practical concerns for us all. This includes: where we live, how we work, what means we have for trade, under what forms of governance, through what relationship to property, and so on.
For many of us—and perhaps there are here some important and difficult generational differences—these conditions are often found to be somehow inhuman. In other words, they inhibit our ability truly to live as human beings are meant to live. It is here that Catholic Social Teaching may have the most to offer us. We will look to some thoughts not only of Leo XIII, but also of Pius XI, John Paul II, and perhaps some others as well.
Developing a Just Society
On the whole we wish through this conversation to find ways in which each of us, as individuals, can participate in the development of a more just and properly human society. We hope you will join us for another edifying conversation.
This Wednesday (21 May 2025 from 5:45–7:15+ PM ET) we invite join this conversation (using the links below) and bring your own insights to the question of humanity’s past, present, and future, and how we might through a deepened understanding render a more just and righteous society.
philosophical happy hour
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Come join us for drinks (adult or otherwise) and a meaningful conversation. Open to the public! Held every Wednesday from 5:45–7:15pm ET.
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