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Google AI: Rist highlights that [Leo XIII] adopting Lockean rights language creates inherent contradictions for Catholic thinkers. When rights are disconnected from objective truth and virtue, they easily morph into tools for self-interest, dividing communities rather than uniting them in the pursuit of the good. For Catholic theology, true freedom is not the mere ability to choose; rather, it is the capacity to choose the good

Philosopher John Rist argues that Catholic thinkers should abandon the Lockean framework of "subjective rights," which prioritizes radical individual autonomy over objective moral order. He contends that a return to Thomistic natural law—grounded in objective virtues and the common good—is a more coherent and robust foundation for Catholic moral theology. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Lockean "Subjective Rights" vs. Thomistic Objectivity
The tension between these two philosophical frameworks highlights the challenges Catholic ethics faces when attempting to adopt liberal political theories:
  • Lockean Subjective Rights: Rooted in enlightenment thought, Locke's philosophy emphasizes individual freedoms, property, and autonomy as intrinsic possessions. Rist argues this framework leads to ethical ambiguity, as the focus shifts from humanity's ultimate duties and purpose toward protecting the desires of the isolated individual. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
  • Thomistic Ethics: St. Thomas Aquinas builds morality on an objective foundation rooted in teleology (the idea that all things have a specific, God-given purpose or telos) and natural law. Within this tradition, ethics is derived from what perfects human nature rather than merely what an individual chooses to claim as a right. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
  • The Common Good: In Thomism, individual flourishing is intrinsically tied to the common good of the community, inherently checking radical individualism. [1, 2]
The Ethical Ambiguity Problem
Rist highlights that adopting Lockean rights language creates inherent contradictions for Catholic thinkers. When rights are disconnected from objective truth and virtue, they easily morph into tools for self-interest, dividing communities rather than uniting them in the pursuit of the good. For Catholic theology, true freedom is not the mere ability to choose; rather, it is the capacity to choose the good. [1]
Key Differences
Feature [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]Lockean Subjective RightsThomistic Objective Law
FoundationThe autonomous individualHuman nature and its ultimate end
FocusEntitlements and non-interferenceDuties, virtues, and human flourishing
The GoodDefined by individual preferenceObjective, universally true, and shared

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