ANGUS SIBLEY - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by ANGUS SIBLEY

The Linacre Quarterly, Nov 1, 2016

Catholic teaching is emphatic on the need to "guarantee adequate [health] care to all," as Pope B... more Catholic teaching is emphatic on the need to "guarantee adequate [health] care to all," as Pope Benedict XVI has stated. America has been slower than other advanced countries in progressing towards this goal. Reasons for this delay can be found in certain attitudes that have long been present in American culture, and have been reinforced by the wave of libertarianism (free-market ideology) that swept the world in the late twentieth century. Catholic theology and social/economic teaching can help us understand the flaws in these attitudes, which involve fundamental philosophical and theological principles, but which are far from academic, since they have serious and very practical consequences. In the light of Catholic teaching, we can look towards a sounder understanding of healthcare needs and effective ways of meeting them. Lay Summary: This article argues that access to healthcare, at least up to the level of basic necessity, falls under the heading of distributive justice. It is a human right owed by the community to each of its citizens. And since rights entail obligations, this right entails an obligation upon each citizen to contribute, as circumstances permit, to the costs, which need to be shared equitably; they cannot be met simply by each individual providing solely for oneself. Also discussed are the problems of excessive costs in healthcare administration and in pharmacological research, as well as harmful tendencies in privatesector firms to over-reward top management and to target maximum (rather than adequate) profits.

Academia letters, Apr 11, 2021

International Studies in Catholic Education, Jan 2, 2019

In an earlier essay (Sibley, Angus. 2016. "Can there be a Catholic economics?" International Stud... more In an earlier essay (Sibley, Angus. 2016. "Can there be a Catholic economics?" International Studies in Catholic Education 8 (2), 211) I observed that 'the Church has a long record of consistently criticisng the obsession with competition that has such a dominant place in orthodox economic thinking and practice'. Inordinate emphasis on competition is so prevalent in current economic behaviour, and has so many adverse consequences, that a more detailed examination of this phenomenon, and of the Church's arguments against it, seems to be timely.

International Relations, Apr 1, 1984

or jointly by agreement between some or all of them. Less widespread, but gaining support, is the... more or jointly by agreement between some or all of them. Less widespread, but gaining support, is the view that only outright pacifism can logically solve the problem. In my view, neither approach suffices. Nuclear disarmament alone, if effective and thorough, would make war between the super-powers less terrifying and so more likely; once war had begun, nuclear armouries would be rebuilt and, no doubt, used. Total pacifism is to me an ideal but impracticable policy; for, to assure the

Dominican Publications (Dublin), 2023

Why do the nations so furiously rage together? and why do the people imagine a vain thing? Psalm ... more Why do the nations so furiously rage together? and why do the people imagine a vain thing? Psalm 2:1

The same law of nature that governs the life and conduct of individuals must also regulate the relations of political communities with one another. Pope John XXIII, Pacem in terris (1963, para. 80).

Be you never so high, the Law is above you. Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia (1732), no. 943.

Journal of Religion and Society, 2021

Today, freedom is often seen as a negative quality, relieved of constraints and unhitched from mo... more Today, freedom is often seen as a negative quality, relieved of constraints and unhitched from morality. This libertarian concept of freedom clashes with more positive notions of freedom as "power to do good," found in classical philosophy and in traditional religions. We note resonances between the author's Catholic position and concepts of freedom proposed by Aristotle and by ancient and modern Jewish writers who argue that true freedom is not amoral, but is inseparable from justice and from private and civic virtue. While oppressive or inappropriate constraints can obviously damage our freedom, wellchosen constraints can enhance it, and are necessary for a fair and humane society. We consider firstly some basic philosophical notions of freedom and, in general terms, their practical consequences; secondly the implications for our economies and societies of how freedom is understood and practiced; finally, some considerations on what a positive and moral concept of freedom implies for political issues and public policy.

Are We Too Many?, 2021

The twentieth century has witnessed an abnormal "demographic explosion"; over the century, world ... more The twentieth century has witnessed an abnormal "demographic explosion"; over the century, world population has almost quadrupled. And growth continues; even where birth rates are low, populations can increase due to improving longevity.

Ever-worsening degradation of our environment and climate suggests that the present level of human population is probably unsustainable.

The Catholic Church has a long-standing reputation for favoring large families. Yet, since the mid-twentieth century, statements from the Vatican have explicitly recognised a need for "containment of births".

The human race may need a long period of very low birth rates to reduce world population to sustainable levels. The alternative could well be reduction by catastrophe.

International Studies in Catholic Education

Doctrine and Life, 2017

Technology should be our servant and not our master. We are frightened by the hectic pace of our ... more Technology should be our servant and not our master. We are frightened by the hectic pace of our technological developments and the serious problems they may cause. Excessive unrestrained competition is what compels us to adopt new technologies whether we want to or not.

Individualism is acceptable, indeed desirable, in moderation; Ayn Rand demonstrates brilliantly h... more Individualism is acceptable, indeed desirable, in moderation; Ayn Rand demonstrates brilliantly how nasty it can become when taken to extremes. But that was far from her intention. She pushed the cult of individualism to preposterous lengths, explicitly rejecting the whole concept of 'human society'. Her utopia is an anarchic world of selfish individuals persuading themselves that they can be totally independent of each other.

International Relations, 1984

attacks the conventional notion of national sovereignty and calls for supranational order

The role of competition in the economy can be compared with the role of the thyroid hormones in t... more The role of competition in the economy can be compared with the role of the thyroid hormones in the human body. These hormones stimulate growth and metabolism. They are vitally necessary. Yet, when present in excess, they can cause serious illness.

The Linacre Quarterly, 2016

A critique of current American healthcare provision, showing how Catholic economic and social tea... more A critique of current American healthcare provision, showing how Catholic economic and social teachings point the way toward necessary reforms.

International Studies in Catholic Education, 2016

The discipline of economics, as it is generally understood, taught, and practised today, is in va... more The discipline of economics, as it is generally understood, taught, and practised today, is in various ways clearly at odds with authentic Catholic values. Catholic education needs to foster a critical engagement with orthodox economics, and a continuing search for a more enlightened understanding of economics than has been prévalent in recent times.

Drafts by ANGUS SIBLEY

Libertarians say that 'liberty means absence of constraints', but we see that in China, by using ... more Libertarians say that 'liberty means absence of constraints', but we see that in China, by using selective severe constraints, the country has come close to liberating itself from COVID. This illustrates the paradox of freedom: appropriate constraints can give us greater freedom!

A new Business Roundtable statement rejects Milton Friedman's doctrine that shareholder value mus... more A new Business Roundtable statement rejects Milton Friedman's doctrine that shareholder value must have absolute priority

In tackling the problems of poverty, Justice and Charity are often seen as alternative principles... more In tackling the problems of poverty, Justice and Charity are often seen as alternative principles, one proposed by the Left, the other by the Right, each neglected or even derided by the group opposing it. But this view is a fallacy. We need both Justice and Charity, the two should work in tandem.

The Linacre Quarterly, Nov 1, 2016

Catholic teaching is emphatic on the need to "guarantee adequate [health] care to all," as Pope B... more Catholic teaching is emphatic on the need to "guarantee adequate [health] care to all," as Pope Benedict XVI has stated. America has been slower than other advanced countries in progressing towards this goal. Reasons for this delay can be found in certain attitudes that have long been present in American culture, and have been reinforced by the wave of libertarianism (free-market ideology) that swept the world in the late twentieth century. Catholic theology and social/economic teaching can help us understand the flaws in these attitudes, which involve fundamental philosophical and theological principles, but which are far from academic, since they have serious and very practical consequences. In the light of Catholic teaching, we can look towards a sounder understanding of healthcare needs and effective ways of meeting them. Lay Summary: This article argues that access to healthcare, at least up to the level of basic necessity, falls under the heading of distributive justice. It is a human right owed by the community to each of its citizens. And since rights entail obligations, this right entails an obligation upon each citizen to contribute, as circumstances permit, to the costs, which need to be shared equitably; they cannot be met simply by each individual providing solely for oneself. Also discussed are the problems of excessive costs in healthcare administration and in pharmacological research, as well as harmful tendencies in privatesector firms to over-reward top management and to target maximum (rather than adequate) profits.

Academia letters, Apr 11, 2021

International Studies in Catholic Education, Jan 2, 2019

In an earlier essay (Sibley, Angus. 2016. "Can there be a Catholic economics?" International Stud... more In an earlier essay (Sibley, Angus. 2016. "Can there be a Catholic economics?" International Studies in Catholic Education 8 (2), 211) I observed that 'the Church has a long record of consistently criticisng the obsession with competition that has such a dominant place in orthodox economic thinking and practice'. Inordinate emphasis on competition is so prevalent in current economic behaviour, and has so many adverse consequences, that a more detailed examination of this phenomenon, and of the Church's arguments against it, seems to be timely.

International Relations, Apr 1, 1984

or jointly by agreement between some or all of them. Less widespread, but gaining support, is the... more or jointly by agreement between some or all of them. Less widespread, but gaining support, is the view that only outright pacifism can logically solve the problem. In my view, neither approach suffices. Nuclear disarmament alone, if effective and thorough, would make war between the super-powers less terrifying and so more likely; once war had begun, nuclear armouries would be rebuilt and, no doubt, used. Total pacifism is to me an ideal but impracticable policy; for, to assure the

Dominican Publications (Dublin), 2023

Why do the nations so furiously rage together? and why do the people imagine a vain thing? Psalm ... more Why do the nations so furiously rage together? and why do the people imagine a vain thing? Psalm 2:1

The same law of nature that governs the life and conduct of individuals must also regulate the relations of political communities with one another. Pope John XXIII, Pacem in terris (1963, para. 80).

Be you never so high, the Law is above you. Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia (1732), no. 943.

Journal of Religion and Society, 2021

Today, freedom is often seen as a negative quality, relieved of constraints and unhitched from mo... more Today, freedom is often seen as a negative quality, relieved of constraints and unhitched from morality. This libertarian concept of freedom clashes with more positive notions of freedom as "power to do good," found in classical philosophy and in traditional religions. We note resonances between the author's Catholic position and concepts of freedom proposed by Aristotle and by ancient and modern Jewish writers who argue that true freedom is not amoral, but is inseparable from justice and from private and civic virtue. While oppressive or inappropriate constraints can obviously damage our freedom, wellchosen constraints can enhance it, and are necessary for a fair and humane society. We consider firstly some basic philosophical notions of freedom and, in general terms, their practical consequences; secondly the implications for our economies and societies of how freedom is understood and practiced; finally, some considerations on what a positive and moral concept of freedom implies for political issues and public policy.

Are We Too Many?, 2021

The twentieth century has witnessed an abnormal "demographic explosion"; over the century, world ... more The twentieth century has witnessed an abnormal "demographic explosion"; over the century, world population has almost quadrupled. And growth continues; even where birth rates are low, populations can increase due to improving longevity.

Ever-worsening degradation of our environment and climate suggests that the present level of human population is probably unsustainable.

The Catholic Church has a long-standing reputation for favoring large families. Yet, since the mid-twentieth century, statements from the Vatican have explicitly recognised a need for "containment of births".

The human race may need a long period of very low birth rates to reduce world population to sustainable levels. The alternative could well be reduction by catastrophe.

International Studies in Catholic Education

Doctrine and Life, 2017

Technology should be our servant and not our master. We are frightened by the hectic pace of our ... more Technology should be our servant and not our master. We are frightened by the hectic pace of our technological developments and the serious problems they may cause. Excessive unrestrained competition is what compels us to adopt new technologies whether we want to or not.

Individualism is acceptable, indeed desirable, in moderation; Ayn Rand demonstrates brilliantly h... more Individualism is acceptable, indeed desirable, in moderation; Ayn Rand demonstrates brilliantly how nasty it can become when taken to extremes. But that was far from her intention. She pushed the cult of individualism to preposterous lengths, explicitly rejecting the whole concept of 'human society'. Her utopia is an anarchic world of selfish individuals persuading themselves that they can be totally independent of each other.

International Relations, 1984

attacks the conventional notion of national sovereignty and calls for supranational order

The role of competition in the economy can be compared with the role of the thyroid hormones in t... more The role of competition in the economy can be compared with the role of the thyroid hormones in the human body. These hormones stimulate growth and metabolism. They are vitally necessary. Yet, when present in excess, they can cause serious illness.

The Linacre Quarterly, 2016

A critique of current American healthcare provision, showing how Catholic economic and social tea... more A critique of current American healthcare provision, showing how Catholic economic and social teachings point the way toward necessary reforms.

International Studies in Catholic Education, 2016

The discipline of economics, as it is generally understood, taught, and practised today, is in va... more The discipline of economics, as it is generally understood, taught, and practised today, is in various ways clearly at odds with authentic Catholic values. Catholic education needs to foster a critical engagement with orthodox economics, and a continuing search for a more enlightened understanding of economics than has been prévalent in recent times.

Libertarians say that 'liberty means absence of constraints', but we see that in China, by using ... more Libertarians say that 'liberty means absence of constraints', but we see that in China, by using selective severe constraints, the country has come close to liberating itself from COVID. This illustrates the paradox of freedom: appropriate constraints can give us greater freedom!

A new Business Roundtable statement rejects Milton Friedman's doctrine that shareholder value mus... more A new Business Roundtable statement rejects Milton Friedman's doctrine that shareholder value must have absolute priority

In tackling the problems of poverty, Justice and Charity are often seen as alternative principles... more In tackling the problems of poverty, Justice and Charity are often seen as alternative principles, one proposed by the Left, the other by the Right, each neglected or even derided by the group opposing it. But this view is a fallacy. We need both Justice and Charity, the two should work in tandem.

The neoclassical (free-market) economist Milton Friedman (1912 - 2006) is widely regarded in the ... more The neoclassical (free-market) economist Milton Friedman (1912 - 2006) is widely regarded in the economics profession, and by free-market enthusiasts of all kinds, as one of the greatest authorities on economics. Yet some of his leading theories have caused a great deal of trouble when put into practice, and some of his basic ideas are pernicious. Such as the notion that a business has no duty other than to make as much profit as possible. This essay examines some of the major errors in Friedman's conception of economics.

In an earlier essay (Sibley 2016, 211) I observed that 'the Church has a long record of consisten... more In an earlier essay (Sibley 2016, 211) I observed that 'the Church has a long record of consistently criticisng the obsession with competition that has such a dominant place in orthodox economic thinking and practice'. Inordinate emphasis on competition is so prevalent in current economic behaviour, and has so many adverse consequences, that a more detailed examination of this phenomenon, and of the Church's arguments against it, seems to be timely.