Liberalism holds that there can be no common good, only individual interests. What passes as "common" is merely aggregation - the markets, voting, etc. It is believed that only through aggregation can we avoid tyranny. 1/

By contrast, classical theory holds that the individual will is prone to tyranny. Aggregation of vicious individual wills is merely a form of tyranny different in number from the lone tyrant. For classical thinkers, bad regimes consist of governance of partial interests. 2/

Aristotle distinguishes between three good and three vicious regimes: monarchy (1), aristocracy (few), and "polity" (many); and democracy (many); oligarchy (few); and tyranny.

What distinguishes the first three from the latter is not number of governors, but the motivation: in good regimes, rulers govern on behalf of "the common good," i.e., for the good of the whole; in base regimes, rulers govern on behalf of their own interests, i.e., private goods.

Absent concern for "the common good," political rule is basically tyrannical in nature. Aristotle recognizes that it _seems_ less tyrannical when exercised in democracy, because the law benefits _most_ people. But the impulse is the same as the tyrant.

For liberals, any appeal to objective standards is tantamount to tyranny, since it runs counter to its individualistic anthropology. The public good is merely aggregated individual interest; anything else requires imposition by some external power. 6/

Whereas for classical and Christian thinkers, relying upon individual will invites tyranny, since individuals will simply pursue their own interests, desires and appetites. They will dominate over anyone or anything that is an obstacle to their desires. 7/

Liberalism has been adept at defining out of the circle of humanity those who constitute such obstacles. In the past, they have been native Americans & African slaves-creatures that are deemed less than human. Today, it is the unborn and the infirm. They are discarded by despots.

Liberalism and classical theory cannot be reconciled on the question of the common good. They begin from fundamentally different assumptions about human nature. Aggregation is simply concealed despotism, for classical theory. People acting in self interest will act as tyrants.

Rule based upon the common good will instead take into account whether our actions and policies undergird human flourishing. These concerns must be cognizant of the whole of humanity, including those who are "inconvenient," as well as future generations and the natural order.

Liberals must denounce thinkers who argue on behalf of "the common good." Theirs is the self-interested defense of the despot. It threatens their claim and ability to do as they please. We should not be surprised that they will resort to all tactics to denounce it. 11/fin