Abstract

Mary Hobgood rightly asserts the significance of social science analysis for theological ethics ; however, her argument that most injustice in the modern world is rooted in systemic flaws of global capitalism subverts her hope that governmental welfare policies can alleviate poverty and her support for the U.S. Catholic bishops' goals for welfare policies. On the other hand, if Hobgood's account of poverty and welfare exaggerates the role of systemic capitalism, as I contend it does, she has good reason to explore connections with the strands of social and moral thought within what she calls the dominant discourse.