Many people have contributed to the successful achievement of this book. First of
all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Professor David Rasmussen
for being part of my academic journey from the first day of my doctoral studies
at Boston College. He has always been an inspiring scholar, a wise guide, an
encouraging and caring teacher, and a committed mentor. May he find in this book
the fruit of the academic rigor to which he always accords great importance. A
special word of thanks goes to Professor William Rehg, S.J., from Saint Louis
University, for graciously accepting to read the manuscript. His careful reading, his
wise comments, and his intelligent suggestions have made this book a better work. I
am also grateful to Professor Ronald Tacelli, S.J. His support, encouragements, and
faith in me and in my work have kept me moving forward even when the weight of
self-doubt has tempted to slow down my speed.
I am grateful to the Philosophy Department at Boston College, especially to
Professor Gary Gurtler, S.J., for his support and encouragements. I would like
also to thank Professor David Ingram from the Philosophy Department at Loyola
University Chicago. Our discussions on human rights and Habermas, his ideas, and
his insights have helped me to maintain a balanced view and to learn more about
Habermas’s thought.
I thank the Society of Jesus, the US Jesuit Conference, and the Jesuit Community
at Boston College for the support I received during my studies at Boston College.
My special thanks go to Professor Rebecca M. Valette and Dr. Jean-Paul Valette for
their friendship and for graciously accepting to proofread this book. My friend Mee-
Yin Mary Yuen deserves a special mention. She has inspired me in many ways. I
thank her for her insights, friendship, encouragements, and love. I would like also to
express my deepest gratitude to my family for their love, support, encouragements,
and investment in my human and intellectual growth.