Catholic social thought and human emancipation: Critical theory, political theology and the social teachings of the Church

This thesis examines the historical development and contemporary relevance of critical and emancipatory themes in Catholic social thought. Beginning with the papal encyclical Rerum Novarum, the thesis argues that Catholic social thought emerged as a critical response to the changed conditions promoted by industrial capitalism and liberal democracy. The thesis claims that Catholic social thought as expressed in liberation and political theologies, and formulated in recent Catholic social statements, continues to develop a critical view of contemporary social relations as influenced by the structural priorities of advanced capitalism and the welfare state.; Throughout the thesis, it is argued that the social theory of non-religious thinkers, particularly that of Jurgen Habermas, can contribute to the critical retrieval and emancipatory potential of Catholic social thought. Habermas' explanation of the normative constraints on instrumental rationality, his analysis concerning the structural contingencies for legitimation crisis, and his understanding of the inter-connection between communicative ethics and democratic practice are seen as advancing the analytic and emancipatory possibilities of Catholic social thought. At the same time, the communitarian and ethical priorities of Catholic social thought are viewed as enhancing the practical orientation of critical theory. Hence, the thesis explores the contexts within which Catholic social traditions and modern thought may co-operate towards the understanding and promotion of social justice.; The thesis also argues for the egalitarian realization of critical communicative discourse in Catholic communities. The thesis argues that such discourse is necessary for the consistent liberatory interpretation, application and evaluation of Catholic social thought, both within its own organizations and in relation to broader social concerns. The thesis claims that the communicative recovery of Catholic social thought by Catholic communities would extend the possibilities of Catholic social teachings and political theologies for emancipatory social change. The thesis argues that through the development of such communities, Catholic social thought would more authentically and effectively reflect praxis in the modern world.