Social Doctrine Session 5
(CSDC 186-208)
I. Principles of Social Doctrine
A. The Principle of Subsidiarity
The next major principle derived from the dignity of the human person is that of “subsidiarity.” Beginning with the Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum, this has been “ . . . among the most constant and characteristic directives of the Church's social doctrine” (CSDC 185). Subsidiarity requires that;
. . .societies of a superior order must adopt attitudes of help (“subsidium”)--therefore support, promotion, development--with respect to lower-order societies. In this way, intermediate social entities can properly perform the functions that fall to them without being required to hand them over unjustly to other social entities of a higher level, by which they would end up being absorbed and substituted, in the end seeing themselves denied their dignity and essential place. (CSDC 186).
The church acknowledges, however, that it may be necessary for states to intervene in some cases to supply certain functions. The justification for such intervention is of an exceptional nature and, therefore, should not continue any longer than is absolutely necessary (CSDC 188).
B. Participation
A clear implication of the principle of subsidiarity is participation by which “. . .the citizen, either as an individual or in association with others, whether directly or through representation, contributes to the cultural, economic, political and social life of the civil community to which he belongs” (CSDC 189). Participation is a common duty and responsibility, fulfilled consciously with a view to the common good. Participation can be achieved in a variety of social contexts, but is particularly evident in democracy, and jeopardized by totalitarian or dictatorial regimes.
C. The Principle of Solidarity
The final major principle derived from the dignity of the human person is solidarity. The compendium notes that solidarity; “. . . highlights in a particular way the intrinsic social nature of the human person, the equality of all in dignity and rights and the common path of individuals and peoples towards an ever more committed unity” (CSDC 192). Two complementary aspects solidarity are seen: that of a social principle and that of a moral virtue. Above all solidarity must be observed in reference to its value as a moral virtue that determines the order of institutions. “Solidarity is also an authentic moral virtue . . .a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good” (CSDC 193). In the sphere of justice, solidarity rises to the rank of the fundamental social virtue. In this section the compendium reminds us that we have a common debt to society and that Jesus is the supreme example of human solidarity.
D. The Fundamental Values of Human Life
Besides the principles inherent in the Church’s social doctrine certain fundamental values are also implied. These values are: truth, freedom, justice, love. Our co-existence as humans in community is founded on truth and a special danger today is those who would relativize truth as the sum of different opinions. Freedom is a natural right and a sign of man’s be made in the divine image. The danger exists, however, of viewing freedom for a purely individualistic view “ . . . reducing it to the arbitrary and uncontrolled exercise of one's own personal autonomy.” (CSDC 199). “The value of freedom, as an expression of the singularity of each human person, is respected when every member of society is permitted to fulfill his personal vocation. . .” (CSDC 200). Justice "consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor" and is “ . . .a value that accompanies the exercise of the corresponding cardinal moral virtue” (CSDC 201). A special concern of the Church has be the development of social justice “. . . justice that regulates social relationships according to the criterion of observance of the law” (CSDC 201). The bond between social values and love is also highlighted. “Love, often restricted to relationships of physical closeness or limited to merely subjective aspects of action on behalf of others, must be reconsidered in its authentic value as the highest and universal criterion of the whole of social ethics” (CSDC 204).
© Office of Human Rights, and Bishop Helmsing Institute, Diocese of Kansas City~St. Joseph, 2009
