The common good is rooted in a moral vision of solidarity emphasizing the bond between all human beings and the obligations we have to one another. A key principle of Catholic social teaching, the common good has also been a concept and practice embraced by a variety of traditions. Advocates of the common good argue that the basic needs and fundamental rights of all persons, and our shared resources, must be safeguarded. But today many believe that this commitment to the common good, if not entirely absent, has seriously diminished. In an increasingly polarized social, economic, and political landscape, the pursuit of self-interest is encouraged far more than concern for the common good. How can concern for and commitment to the common good be restored? What would it mean today to work toward the common good locally, nationally, and globally? What civic virtues need to be cultivated in order to appreciate and sustain the common good? And how can we incorporate concern for the common good in our everyday lives? The 2012-2013 Killeen Chair series will address these matters as it explores not only the nature and significance of the common good, but also what is lost when a commitment to the common good is abandoned.

		The Killeen Chair of Theology and Philosophy is a resource that underscores the importance of theology and philosophy in a Catholic liberal arts education and highlights the commitment of St. Norbert College to provide an education that is personally, intellectually and spiritually challenging.
2012-13 Lecture Series All events are free and open to the public Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 7:00 p.m. Fort Howard Theater, Bemis International Center Prophecy, Civility and the Common Good Dr. Cathleen Kaveny John P. Murphy Foundation Professor of Law and Professor of Theology and columnist for Commonweal Notre Dame Law School Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 7:00 p.m. Sacred Music Old St. Joseph Church, St. Norbert College Anam Cara: A Celebration of Celtic Sacred Music Performed by St. Norbert College Music Department Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 7 p.m. Fort Howard Theater, Bemis International Center Human Flourishing and the Common Good:  Aquinas on Justice Dr. Eleonore Stump Robert J. Henle Professor of Philosophy  Saint Louis University Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 7 p.m. Fort Howard Theater, Bemis International Center Working for the Common Good: Do I Have to Leave My Job to Do It? Dr. Michael J. Naughton Alan W. Moss Professor of Catholic Social Thought University of St. Thomas