Capitalism's Moral Dilemma: Untangling the Contradictions of Catholic Altruism
Exploring How Church Teachings and Leftist Critiques Complicate the Moral Defense of Free Markets
In discussions about capitalism, one often encounters debates about its moral foundations. While many defend capitalism from various perspectives, the contrasting views between its moral foundation and the Christian-centric arguments made by many conservatives reveal deep contradictions that are worth exploring. This is not all-inclusive or as extensive as it can be, but likely the start of a series addressing “faith and freedom” from the Right in America.
Contradictions in Catholic Teachings
Catholic teachings have long stressed the importance of altruism, charity, and selflessness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "Those responsible for business enterprises are responsible to society for the economic and ecological effects of their operations" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2432). This emphasis on collective responsibility and the common good contrasts sharply with the principles of self-interest that drive free-market capitalism.
Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium," critiques the excesses of capitalism further. He asserts:
Today we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills. How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points? (Evangelii Gaudium, 53).
Another striking example from the same document highlights a deep skepticism about the transformative power of free markets:
In this context, some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naïve trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system (Evangelii Gaudium, 54).
The snide reality is that without the transformation from feudalism to individual prosperity spurred by the Enlightenment and the rise of capitalism, we might still be serfs today. Progress has often been made in spite of, rather than because of, the Church's positions.
The Moral Foundations of Capitalism
Understanding the moral foundations of capitalism is crucial for defending it effectively. The argument here is that capitalism is the most moral system because it respects individual rights and freedoms. Man must use his mind to pursue his values and thrive. In contrast, many conservative defenses of capitalism emphasize stewardship and benevolence, which often falter because they can't reconcile the self-interest inherent in capitalism with the altruism promoted by Christianity.
Consider passages such as Acts 4:32-35, where the early Christians held everything in common and distributed resources according to need.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.
This communal approach starkly contrasts with the individualistic, self-interested nature of capitalism, highlighting the ethical tensions within Christian teachings.
The Systematic Nature of Philosophy
To truly understand and defend capitalism, one must see philosophy as a systematic endeavor. A sound philosophy removes contradictions, ensuring that its metaphysics supports its epistemology, which in turn supports its ethics and politics. The metaphysics of Christianity, influenced by Platonic thought, sees the material world as less significant than the spiritual, promoting a form of altruism that prioritizes self-sacrifice over self-interest.
Plato’s influence on Christian thought can be seen in the emphasis on the ideal forms and the devaluation of the material world. This perspective naturally leads to an ethical system that values altruism, seen as a higher moral duty. However, this altruism contradicts the self-interest that capitalism necessitates, leading to inherent conflicts in Christian-centric defenses of capitalism.
Evolutionary Psychology and Reciprocal Altruism
Let’s delve into evolutionary psychology, specifically the concept of reciprocal altruism. This idea suggests that what we often call altruism is just a primal "scratch your back, I'll scratch yours" behavior. In the animal kingdom, we see this in action – think of vampire bats, which share blood meals with those who have shared with them in the past. They help each other out not out of pure selflessness but because they expect the favor to be returned. Animals that do not reciprocate are often punished, the animal world equivalent of getting a 1-star Yelp review.
This same dynamic operates within free market capitalism. Businesses and consumers engage in transactions expecting mutual benefit. It’s not about altruism but about mutual gain. This "reciprocal altruism" is what drives the economy forward, not the self-sacrificial ideals promoted by many religious doctrines. I hate calling this "altruism" because it's not sacrificial or predatory; it’s an exchange of value for value that keeps us thriving.
What makes humans different from vampire bats is that humans must use reason to survive, while animals rely on instinct. This distinction underscores the importance of deliberate, value-driven action for human flourishing, not just survival. Humans need to make choices and take actions that reflect their values and support their well-being.
For instance, I work hard so that my wife can stay home with our three children, ensuring they have a safe neighborhood, a yard to play in, clothes to wear, and healthy food to eat. This is not a sacrifice because I love my family. It is a rational decision based on my values and the well-being of those I care about. If I were to neglect my family, go on frequent vacations with acquaintances, engage in gambling binges, or use drugs and alcohol—even if these activities brought momentary pleasure and seemed in my perceived "self-interest"—that behavior would be branded as "selfish." However, it is more accurately described as "narcissistic" because it disregards the broader context of long-term well-being and the values that truly matter.
In challenging the notion of altruism altogether, it's crucial to recognize that reciprocal altruism is fundamentally about self-interest. The Christian discouragement of self-interest and selfishness, as seen in teachings like "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves" (Philippians 2:3), runs counter to our interests as man.
To reconcile these moral objections to capitalism, proponents can focus on the self-interest of mutual gain rather than the traditional notions of selfishness being zero sum. By framing capitalism as a system where everyone benefits through mutual exchanges, the moral arguments against self-interest can be effectively countered.
Contradictions Exploited by the Left
The contradictions within the Church’s teachings and the general morality of Christianity present a significant challenge for defenders of capitalism. The Left, often more consistent in their ideological stance, exploits these contradictions to argue against capitalism effectively. Karl Marx famously critiqued the alignment of Christian morality with capitalist structures, stating in The Communist Manifesto:
Nothing is easier than to give Christian asceticism a Socialist tinge. Has not Christianity declaimed against private property, against marriage, against the State? Has it not preached in the place of these, charity and poverty, celibacy and mortification of the flesh, monastic life and Mother Church? Christian Socialism is but the holy water with which the priest consecrates the heart-burnings of the aristocrat.
For instance, when the Church condemns economic inequality and promotes wealth redistribution, it provides ideological ammunition for leftist critiques of capitalism. The Left can point to these teachings and argue that capitalism inherently leads to inequality and is morally indefensible from a Christian perspective. This makes it increasingly difficult for defenders of capitalism to make a coherent moral argument that aligns with the predominant moral teachings in society.
Moreover, the Church’s mixed messages create confusion and weaken the moral defense of capitalism. While some teachings can be interpreted to support industriousness and personal responsibility, the overarching message often leans towards altruism and collective well-being, which contradicts the principles of self-interest and individual rights central to capitalism. This ideological inconsistency is a gap that the Left adeptly exploits, making it harder for classical liberals to argue that capitalism is not only economically effective but also morally justified.
In conclusion, understanding and articulating the moral foundations of capitalism is not just important – it’s essential. Without it, we leave the door open for misconceptions and criticisms that undermine the very principles we stand for. As we move forward, let's strive to better explain why capitalism is not just efficient but morally sound. Because, in the end, it’s about more than just economics – it’s about the values we live by every day.