Includes bibliographical references (p. 467-485) and index.

Introduction: Catholic social doctrine and political philosophy -- The dignity of the human person, human rights, and natural law -- The meaning of the common good -- Seeking the common good through virtue and grace -- Seeking the common good through justice and social justice -- Seeking the common good through law and public policy: same-sex marriage, the life questions, and biotechnology -- Civil society and the Church -- Civil society, the family, and the principle of subsidiarity -- Civil society, the Catholic university, and liberal education -- The economy, work, poverty, and immigration -- Safeguarding and sustaining the environment -- The international community -- Just-war principles -- Conclusion: the tension between Catholic social doctrine and the proponents of religion as a private affair -- Appendix: Pope Benedict XVI's Caritas in veritate