Freedom in the Modern World: Jacques Maritain, Yves R. Simon, Mortimer J. Adler

These essays examine the full range of human freedom - both freedom of choice and political freedom. Much of the discussion centres on "The Idea of Freedom" by Adler and the volume concludes with two essays in metaphysics. Adler's dialectical approach to freedom in his great work "The Idea of Freedom" is discussed by Desmond J. FitzGerald, Otto Bird, Ralph McInerny and John Van Doren. George Anastaplo offers some critical remarks on Adler's support of modern democracy and includes Yves R. Simon within the scope of his critique. The essays devoted to Simon are divided between his work on freedom of choice and on political freedom. The attention to political freedom is continued in the articles concentrating on Maritain. John Hellman and Robert Royal discuss his philosophy of education; Michael Novak and Matthew J. Mancini take differing views on his assessment of modern democracy; and Joseph J. Califano and John P. Hittinger look at his notion of progress. The volume concludes with two essays in metaphysics. The volume is enhanced by Donald A. Gallagher's introductory essay, recalling these men and their influence upon both him personally and other Catholic philosophers.