The Structure of Political Thought: Academic Retreat Led by Dr. Richard Dougherty
This Valor Institute retreat will consider The Structure of Political Thought by the political philosopher Charles McCoy. What is the natural law, and how have conceptions of it changed in the history of political theory? In this capacious investigation, McCoy examines the metaphysical foundations of western political thought. revealing how assumptions about the person and their relation to reality have shaped modern society.
Participants will trace McCoy’s argument through lectures and seminars led by Dr. Richard Dougherty, Dean of Braniff Graduate School at the University of Dallas. Encouraging careful attention to the text, the retreat will introduce us to essential thinkers in the western political tradition as well as the ideas that define our political order.
All Valor Institute events are invitation only, and we regularly invite people from our interest list to join us. Please fill out the brief form below to join the list.
Retreat Details
Our multi-day academic retreats are small gatherings focused on great texts, thoughtful conversations, and intellectual friendship. Each retreat is led by a professor and centers on a specific thinker, theme, topic, or text.
The heart of the retreat is a robust academic program of twelve one-hour sessions—typically nine seminars and three lectures. Seminars are limited to 15 or fewer participants and emphasize close reading, intellectual humility, and the shared pursuit of truth. The professor's lectures synthesize themes and situate the readings within a broader whole.
The atmosphere is intentionally contemplative and relational—free from digital distraction and grounded in attentiveness, presence, and receptivity.
Location
Our academic retreats are held at our Kingfisher Center, which is located on the southwest side of Austin, Texas.
Cost
For accepted participants, the Valor Institute will cover the cost of the program fee, texts, lodging, and meals. We ask for participants to pay for their own travel to and from the retreat — though we do offer travel scholarships for those in need. We do not want cost to be a barrier for anyone desiring to participate in our programs.
Schedule
A typical retreat day runs from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. including time for lunch, dinner, and breaks.
Preparation
Participants are expected to carefully read and annotate all texts before arriving at the retreat. Because of academic retreats involve a significant amount of time in seminar, preparation is essential.
Registration & Questions
Space in our retreats is limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. For any questions, please contact us.
About the Leader
Dr. Richard Dougherty is Dean of the Braniff Graduate School and Professor of Politics at the University of Dallas. After completing his B.A. in Political Science at Belmont Abbey College, he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Philosophy from the University of Dallas. A scholar of political philosophy, classical political thought, and Catholic political theory, he is the author of numerous essays and peer-reviewed studies on Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, natural law, federalism, and the American constitutional order. Some recent major studies include “St. Augustine and the Problem of Political Ethics,” “Natural Law in Augustine,” “St. Thomas Aquinas on the Nature of Man in the Treatise on Law,” and “St. Thomas Aquinas on the Importance of the Best Regime.”
In addition to his service as dean, Dr. Dougherty has served in numerous leadership roles at the University of Dallas, including Chairman of the Politics Department from 2011 to 2019 and Director of the Center for Christianity and the Common Good since 1993. He has lectured nationally and internationally on topics ranging from Augustinian political ethics and Thomistic anthropology to executive power and immigration.