Researcher ORCID Identifier
0009-0009-2331-3513
Graduation Year
2024
Date of Submission
4-2024
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Government
Reader 1
George Thomas
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2024 B Weisberg
Abstract
Liberalism has become a focal point for criticism on the Global Right. Among the strongest critics are the "post-liberals," primarily Catholic intellectuals who decry extreme individualism and the damaging impact of the market economy on community ties and the environment. While the post-liberals recycle some compelling arguments against liberalism, I contend that their proposed alternative is fundamentally flawed. Before presenting post-liberal arguments, I briefly unpack the roots of liberalism and some of its important right-wing critics to create a context for understanding the current post-liberal movement. Then I examine Patrick Deneen’s and Adrian Vermeule’s manipulations of history and philosophy. Finally, I present philosophical responses to Deneen and Vermeule’s critiques of liberalism. My delineation of the flaws in the work of these two prominent and influential right-wing intellectuals is meant to stand as a critique of the post-liberal approach more generally.
Recommended Citation
Weisberg, Nathaniel, "The Postliberals’ Folly: A Critical Review of The Works of Patrick Deneen and Adrian Vermeule" (2024). CMC Senior Theses. 3576.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3576
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
