Work, The Common Good, and The Human Person

Wednesday, July 19, 2023 8:00 am EST

In episode 2, we are joined by Fr. Justin Brophy, OP ‘06, ‘17, ‘20 a professor of political science at Providence College. Fr. Justin’s work follows the ancient definition of politics, thinking about the human person in a community. He’s concerned with questions of flourishing, justice, and happiness.

We discuss ideas about work as a means to an end vs. the potential of work to display the human person. We think deeply about the ways work has changed over time, and the current focus on fast production over craftsman goods. We question whether this cheapening of the objects around us is dehumanizing. 

We then ask how work might be essential to a flourishing life. Fr. Justin is particularly concerned with how technology is shaping our relationships with others and ourselves, so we dig into how to use technology well. The modern condition is full of tensions and unease, how do we live well within that? Catholicism gives us a blueprint to be pilgrim people, and we think about how to enact that in the modern world. 

Note: This episode was recorded during the 2022 football season. 

The Ethics at Work Podcast is edited and produced by Nat Todaro and Megan Levis. To learn more about the ethics at work project you can find us at ethicsatwork.nd.edu.

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