The Institute for Human Ecology

Human flourishing illuminated by Catholic social doctrine.

Freedom

The foundation of human flourishing

"The freedom of the individual finds its basis in man's transcendent dignity . . ." - Pope John Paul II, Message for World Day of Peace, 1981

Family

The fundamental social unit of a healthy, functioning society

"The family may be regarded as the cradle of civil society . . . " - Pope Leo XIII, Sapientiae Christianae

Economy

The intersection of free enterprise and ingenuity ordered towards human flourishing

"It is . . . an error to say that the economic and moral orders are so distinct from and alien to each other that the former depends in no way on the latter." - Pope Pius XI, Quadragesimo Anno

Culture

The driving force behind the way we form human relationships

"Human beings interpret and shape the natural environment through culture, which in turn is given direction by the responsible use of freedom, in accordance with the dictates of the moral law." - Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate

Learn more about our Master of Arts in Human Rights Program

Latest News

8 Nov 2019

On the Supreme Court’s Horizon: Presidential Power

November 8, 2019

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Emmett McGroarty, Justice, law, presidential power, Supreme Court News

The Supreme Court has decided to hear a case with significant implications regarding the powers of the presidency. The case, "Seila Law LLC v. the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau," concerns the power of the president to remove the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

The salient facts are straightforward...

8 Nov 2019

Master’s Student Reflects on Work With the National Center on Sexual Exploitation

November 8, 2019

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Human Rights, IHE, Institute for Human Ecology, MA Human Rights MA Human Rights, News

Having aided in the campaign to block pornography on The Catholic University of America’s campus network, I was surprised to find a non-profit dedicated to exactly that. The work NOSCE does is a benefit for all of society and its staff should receive much praise for their accomplishments. They have successfully gotten billion-dollar companies to remove pornographic content from their platforms...

8 Nov 2019

The Gardens of Ordinary Times

November 8, 2019

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Fellow, Lucia A. Silecchia, professor, theological News

Years ago, a child in my family asked, "If a Church is God’s house, is a cemetery God’s garden?" I lack the theologically correct answer. Yet, that question recognized what I know is true: there is something profoundly sacred about the land where we lay our loved ones to rest.

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Civitas Dei Summer Fellowship

The Person, the Polis, and the Search for Happiness

The Institute for Human Ecology and the Thomistic Institute
Civitas Dei Summer Fellowship for Graduate Students in the Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities

The Civitas Dei Summer Fellowship supports rising scholars seeking to better understand the Catholic intellectual tradition. Open to all qualified graduate students and advanced undergraduates. The costs to attend the Civitas Dei Fellowship program (including lodging and reasonable travel expenses) are covered by the sponsors.

Check back regularly for 2020 information.