Ep.21 - Academic Freedom vs. Catholic Values: Insights from CUA's President

In this insightful episode, Dr. Johann D'Souza engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Peter Kilpatrick, the President of the Catholic University of America (CUA). Dr. Kilpatrick shares his remarkable journey as a convert to Catholicism and reflects on his extensive academic career. He highlights CUA's unique position as a university founded by U.S. bishops and its commitment to upholding the fullness of the Catholic intellectual tradition. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by higher education today and how CUA navigates these hurdles through its steadfast commitment to its mission and rich historical legacy. Dr. Kilpatrick emphasizes the importance of academic freedom, fostering civil discourse, and remaining true to Catholic teachings. Listeners will gain valuable insights on cultivating virtue in personal and professional life and discover how CUA is shaping the future of Catholic education by inspiring individuals to contribute to a more virtuous society through action and witness. Timestamp: 00:00:18 - Dr. Kilpatrick's background and journey to Catholicism 00:00:57 - CUA's unique founding by U.S. bishops 00:01:02 - CUA's notable alumni and commitment to holiness 00:02:20 - Maintaining CUA's Catholic identity through teaching and integration of faith and reason 00:03:57 - Upholding Catholic identity through curriculum and knowledge integration 00:05:01 - CUA's vision as the premier Catholic research university 00:06:45 - Challenges facing higher education and CUA's navigation strategies 00:11:16 - Maintaining the pursuit of truth amidst social pressure 00:14:04 - Recommendations for cultivating virtue using "Super Habits" resources 00:17:56 - Demonstrating moral courage through action and witness 00:21:43 - Entropy, providence, and the materialistic worldview 00:23:16 - Incorporating evidence-based approaches in CUA's psychology initiative 00:28:32 - The centrality of virtue for human flourishing and its incorporation across curricula Resources and Links: Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts. Watch this episode in Youtube. Learn more about the Catholic University of America. Discover the "Super Habits" book and app by Andrew Abella.