The Catholic Intellectual Tradition is a way for those who value religion and reason to combine the two (McGreevy). There always seems to be some sort of opposition between sciences, liberal arts and Catholic tradition. The CIT provides the context of meaning for Catholic education where knowledge is seen as not self-gained or even constrained. This means that the outcome produced is not solely from religion but is gathered from scientific and critical inquiry and complimented by deep-seated principles of faith. This means that the overall outcome is complemented by real appreciation with respect for the human person. Creativity and an understanding of appreciation from different perspectives on different issues is also part of this CIT which is meant to be integrated into the environment which is rooted through individuals, communities and society as a whole. Something like this is very consistent with the principles of the common good, which is one of the central principles of Catholic teaching.
Each person is created in the image of God, this means that people are both social beings and sacred creatures. That being said, it can be assumed that all people have innate goodness within them. It is possible for people to have positive interactions with each other because there is an inner good, which is from God. For this good to be practiced, everyone should stick to their vital roles in society and create a working community together.
Each person is said to be intimately related to the good of the whole community, according to the principle of the common good. According to the CIT. Most peoples’ perspective on the Catholic community is formed by the media. Their perception of Catholicism, as well as Catholic education is based on information that the media, and those addicted to sensationalism, convey. Therefore, these viewpoints are not always positive. However, it is believed by the church, under the principles of common good, that the person is shaped by the community. Therefore, if the community is fed by these negative images portrayed by the media, then the community itself will be infected by vile, sensationalized and obscene images (Coleman). However, it is up to the person to accept these things or to see beyond it, as what the CIT teaches.
One of the key understandings under the principles of the common good is that a human person is social in nature. It is easier to realize the other principles when this thought is put into practice. A person will not be able to grow without other people around him or her. It is best that they have others around them to be able to thrive. However, people need positive influences around them so that they talents and other things will not be hindered. The principles of the common good realizes that each person must be able to contribute to society in order for them to harvest the benefits of life. This goes along with a certain set of rights and duties, which should not be abused. The reason why there are those who live in a certain way, ways that are less than desirable, is because they might have abused certain things in society.
Another principle is that a person can only flourish in the community. This idea goes hand-in-hand with what the CIT teaches. Students, or those who learn under the guidance of the church, do so in a community (McGreevy). Through this communal practice of learning, they will be able to grow and flourish with the help of each other. This can be seen in a school setting, more particularly a Catholic school setting. Catholic education is distinguished from secular education because of the principles of faith. If someone would want to learn under the teachings of the church, it is best to be in an environment with other like-minded people, or those who share the same faith. This is because together, the faith of the said individual will be able to grow, instead of being harnessed by the unbelief of others or the negativity which is brought about by many different sources.
The Catholic Intellectual Tradition understands that there is a certain journey that one must take in order for them to be lead to God. Since God is absolute, no endeavor, whether spiritual or intellectual can lead them to God. This is why knowledge can never be self-gained, and it is only through divinity when it is found. This lies on the fact that God himself is the absolute truth. The Catholic Intellectual Tradition coincides with the basic principles of the common good, which believe that there is good in all human beings, that it is possible to have a working community full of those who have specific roles in creating a positive environment.
Works Cited
Coleman, John A. "Catholic human rights theory: Four challenges to an intellectual
tradition." Journal of Law and Religion 2.2 (1984): 343-366.
McGreevy, John T. "Thinking on One's Own: Catholicism in the American Intellectual
Imagination, 1928-1960." The Journal of American History 84.1 (1997): 97-131.
