Libertarianism and Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration自由主义与天主教移民社会教育.pdfVIP

Journal of Markets Morality Volume 15, Number 1 (Spring 2012): 21–36 Copyright © 2012 Bridget Kratz/Walter E. Block Bridget Kratz Economics Department Joseph A. Butt, SJ, College of Business Libertarianism Loyola University New Orleans and Catholic Walter E. Block Harold E. Wirth Eminent Scholar Endowed Social Teaching Chair and Professor of Economics Joseph A. Butt, SJ, College of Business on Immigration Loyola University New Orleans No two stranger bedfellows than libertarianism and Catholic social teaching can be imagined. The former exults in the greed and selfishness of Smith while the latter, to say the least, does not. Yet, on at least one issue, immigration, there are strong parallels between the two worldviews. This article explores the compatibility of these two perspectives on this important public policy challenge. At the basis of libertarianism lies the nonaggression principle—the theory that as long as someone’s actions do not infringe on the rights of others then there should be no legal restriction against them. The goal of a libertarian is to increase individual liberty and thereby, as but one result, improve the economy. Catholic social teaching is grounded in the idea that all human beings have dignity and thus should be treated with the utmost respect and cared for as children of God. Both the libertarian movement and the Catholic Church are known for having clearly defined and very str