Episode 25: Liberalism
and Morality: Capitalism and Christian Values
The final part of this installment has Fr. Robert
Sirico touching upon the correlation between business
ethics and corruption. He explains that personal corruption
is one reality, but that it is institutional corruption
which forces the lack of business ethics. This occurs
when the political apparatus extends into the private
sphere.
Fr. Sirico elaborates on the Church’s teaching
of subsidiarity which states that needs are best met
at the local level. Individuals have the responsibility
to address their own needs. It is only when individuals
are not able to accomplish this, that they must look
towards the next level on the ladder of social organization.
The highest level (the state) should only intervene
when there is great need, and this intervention should
only be temporary. As a result, limiting bureaucratic
interference in the private arena would reduce corruption
and make society more efficient.
The music is provided by Dieter
Bachmann.
