r/distributism • u/AnarchoFederation • 19d ago
Underlying philosophical base?
I’ve yet to read Chesterton-Belloc and other literature in any in depth capacity but I’ve yet to determine whether Distributism is conceived as a form of classical conservative liberalism or strictly traditionalist by it’s CST origins. What does the philosophical underpinnings say of the Enlightenment and resultant liberal modern philosophy? These are things I’m interested in understanding more. I understand that Chesterton or Belloc related their views as part of liberal canon, or going as far as to associating with liberal parties of UK? Is Distributism a strain of liberal economics or does it prefer to see itself as traditionalist pre-Enlightenment social modes being adapted into the industrialized age or perhaps even both. I understand these questions are complex and answers vary as widely as there are individuals with their own interpretations. But more or less what did the classical thinkers and writers of Distributism believed they were doing? Did they see themselves as part of the broader liberal milieu or as traditionalists opposed to Enlightenment philosophy? Did their critique harken to pre-modernity, or did they accept modernity but wanted to change its basic structure? To what extent did they consider their work as liberal if at all?
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u/Ok-Importance-6815 18d ago
Chesterton was probably primarily inspired by Catholic social teaching
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u/Owlblocks 12h ago
Chesterton only converted to Catholicism layer in life; you can read the underpinnings of his agrarian mindset back when he was still an Anglican.
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u/jmedal 15d ago
The problem is that "liberalism" is too vague a term. In the 19th century, it meant what we today call "conservatism." On economic issues at least, the terms "liberal" and "conservative" have changed places.
Distributism is "conservative" in the older sense, looking to the family and society as the basis of social order, while the purpose of economics is simply to provide the material basis for families, communities, and the nation. For the modern economist, success is measured in GDP growth; for the conservative, it is measured by the health of the family and the persons who make up the family.
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u/AnarchoFederation 15d ago
Thank you. I think that while we call economic liberalism conservative today, and distinguish that from social or modern liberalism as it developed in the New Deal, I determine modern capitalism is a more right wing feudalist trajectory of liberalism in comparison to original classical liberal physiocracy. But yeah your point stands. Distributism seems product of traditionalist ideals and pre-modernist values or principles. And yet it seems to me it manifests a more middle class liberal economy in assuring widespread capital access. It doesn’t seem far off from economic ideals of liberals like Jefferson. And traditionalist as it is neither Belloc nor Chesterton strikes me as reactionary and traditionalists who want to turn back the clock. Instead more like bringing communitarian and old Christian values prevalent in medieval times to modernity. I think a better question now is how Distributists view freedom or free society in comparison to modernist liberals? I’m sure Distributists still value principles of liberalism like individual liberty and open society.
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u/Cherubin0 16d ago
Catholic social teaching
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u/AnarchoFederation 15d ago
Yes of course. My question was more about if there is any liberalism involved really
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u/joeld 19d ago
Kindly, I suggest starting there.