Alexandra DeSanctis, Staff Writer

Students gathered in the Oak Room at South Dining Hall and eagerly awaited the verdict on the future of their country.  Advertised as “Is America in Decline?” the lecture sponsored by the Constitutional Studies program featured Professor Patrick Deneen and explored the role of liberalism in America’s current condition.

Professor Deneen previously taught at both Princeton University and Georgetown University before beginning his work in Notre Dame’s political science department as the David A. Potenziani Memorial Associate Professor of Constitutional Studies.  His commentary was structured largely around his own article entitled “Unsustainable Liberalism” which he wrote for the ecumenical journal First Things.  “Liberalism is founded,” Deneen said, “upon the idea that man possesses inherent freedom.”

The definition of this freedom, however, has strayed over time from the virtue that is enshrined in the founding documents of the United States.  The origins of and solutions to this dilemma were discussed and debated in the scholarly atmosphere, and while the lecture addressed the possible demise of American culture, it also concluded with a distinctly optimistic tone.

Professor Vincent Phillip Muñoz co-hosted the lecture as the head of the Constitutional Studies program, lending a perspective based heavily on appreciation of the founding documents.

“The idea of freedom as it has seeped into our culture,” Deneen continued, “has come to be understood as the idea that each man can do whatever it takes to be happy.”  Highlighting the pertinent examples of divorce and abortion, Deneen cast this view of freedom in a negative light.

With such a skewed perception of true freedom, America has begun a downward spiral that must be righted from within.  “The obvious question would be, is there any solution to this problem?” asked John Whittaker, a first-year seminarian at the Moreau Seminary.

Professor Deneen was hesitant to answer this question.  At first he chuckled and said, “Marry each other and commit for life, because Notre Dame kids are the best in the world.”  Becoming more serious, he stated, “The surest way to reverse the negative pattern of American culture is for each individual to live an example of virtue and convince the rest of the world to live like him.”

Professor Muñoz, however, maintained that the earliest foundations of American government are the key to righting the sinking ship.  “If we simply return to the founding documents,” he argued, “the principles of true freedom can be upheld once again in our country.”  Muñoz claimed that the skewed definition of freedom is not inherent within liberalism, but instead stems from the abandonment of the Constitution.

Straying from the initial topic of liberalism, students moved the discussion in a religious direction to explore the role of faith in redeeming American culture.  Both Deneen and Muñoz agreed that the Catholic Church has an integral part in defining freedom and upholding virtue in society.

The idea of freedom, as understood by Catholics, is deeply rooted in the concept of free will and the ability to choose the good.  This understanding, Dr. Muñoz implied, is necessary in changing the public conception of freedom.

“A society which believes freedom to be purely individualistic cannot be strong in virtue or attain true freedom,” he told students.

Professor Deneen agreed with this idea, saying, “Freedom for its own sake simply becomes selfish and can be used to justify any action or law that benefits the individual.”  Students weighed in on the issue, many agreeing that freedom is a concept directly linked to Catholic Church teachings on justice.

Father Bill Miscamble C.S.C. was also in attendance and remained quiet for much of the lecture; however, he eventually directed a few words to the students.  “I agree with Patrick that you all should marry each other,” he began with a smile.  “But if you pursue the virtues you know to be right and live your life well, you will convince people everywhere you go that you’re onto something.”

Fr. Miscamble’s optimistic words set a hopeful tone for the conclusion of the lecture.  Though it remained undecided whether this skewed perception of freedom was inherent in the foundations of liberalism, it became apparent to the students that by setting a positive example they truly possess the ability to affect the future of their country.

Alexandra DeSanctis is a freshman Political Science major with an affinity for playing Tetris.  If you want to distract her from reaching a new high score, email her at adesanct@nd.edu.