SCP Work in Progress Talk
Abstract: Nineteenth century Mexican liberalism is a striking departure from typical U.S. models of political liberalism. First, many of its founding figures were Catholic priests. Second, despite widespread adherence to Catholicism, there was eventual widespread acceptance of central tenants of political liberalism accompanied by formally anti-Catholic laws. Finally, in the wake of this successful secularization of various social institutions, there was a concerted effort to use the power of the state to shape the character and sensibilities of the Mexican people. This talk is about the philosophical developments that explain these puzzles.