A Theory of Personalism

Reviews / Votes

Rourke 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 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 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. -- Tinder, Glenn 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. -- Cochran, Clarke E. The cumulative effect of the chapters is compelling. -- John W. Carlson Theological Studies 6/08