Tuesday, March 24, 2009
More on Models of Engagement
In response to Richard, sticking with the scenario of honors rather than an invitation speak or debate, more questions: let's add in the complexity of one person holding different stances on a variety of issues, some deeply attuned with Catholic identity, and others not; and let's assume that the school's intention is to highlight those aspects of the person's work which are in accord with Catholic identity. For example, say that a particular speaker is being honored for a strong anti-abortion record, but also has a muddy record on torture policy. Should the muddy record on torture, even if it was marginal to their work, preclude the honor? Does it matter what role or office this person holds (politician, judge, community leader, academic)? Does it matter what kind of sway the person holds over public opinion (which could contribute to the analysis of "scandal")? Are there some contexts in which honors might serve as partial endorsements, without necessarily claiming that the person's entire life or system of thought should be set forth as exemplary?
https://mirrorofjustice.blogs.com/mirrorofjustice/2009/03/more-on-models-of-engagement.html