Principles of Catholic Social Thought: Boon or Bane for The Good Life?

This article sheds light on the principles of Catholic Social Thought including Common Good, Dignity of a person, promotion of peace and participation for establishing the relationship between the self and the society.

Running head: PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT
Principles of Catholic social thought
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PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT
“Catholic Social Thought: Boon or Bane for The Good Life?
Introduction
Catholic Social Thought reflects the traditions of social realities and ethical principles
including common good, dignity of a person, preferential option for the poor, subsidiarity,
universal purpose of goods, stewardship of creation, promotion of peace, participation and
global solidarity. These principles are applied on the society as a whole for ensuing the good
life of the people (Caritas.org.au, 2018). This article attempts to shed light on the principles
of Common Good, Dignity of a person, promotion of peace and participation for
establishing the relationship between the self and the society.
Discussion
An insight into the principles
The Dignity of a Human Person
According to the Catholic Church, human life is sacred, therefore, the dignity of the
humans is vital for securing the societal position. This belief is the fundamental principle of
social teachings. Actions like abortion and euthanasia degrades the dignity of a person. On
the other hand, exposing kind approach towards others enhances the dignity of a person. The
life of humans are a gift from God, which they need to preserve. Catholic social teaching
preaches not to indulge in any kind of violence or war (Myers & Weigert, 2015). According
to the teachings, the nations need to protect the individual rights of peaceful life. For this
social teaching, human life is more important than the materialistic things. Value is added to
these social teachings when the conscious approach is exposed to the wellbeing of the
persons.
Common Good

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PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT
Common Good is critical to the principles of Catholic Social Thought. As a matter of
specification, there are three essential elements of Common Good: respect for the individual;
the social wellbeing and development of the group. In addition to this, one of the other
aspects is the peace, which results from the stability, prevalent within the society. As per the
arguments of the Catholic Social Thought, every individual is responsible for exposing
conscious approach towards ensuring the common good of the society as a whole (Shadle,
2018). This is because common good is considered as the embodiment of charity and justice.
Herein lays the effectiveness of the statements of Pope, who opines that striving towards
common good reflects the love for neighbors.
Promotion of Peace
Catholic Social Thought proposes that peace accounts for the development of the
human life in a proper manner. This involves safeguarding the life of the people and the
goods, freedom and dignity of the people. According to the social thought, Peace is, “the fruit
of justice”. It is dependent on the correct order in which the humans organize their society.
Along with this, the Catholic Social Thought proposes that peace is “positive and action
oriented behaviour towards reducing violence from the society. Peace is promoted through its
transcendence between the people and the different social groups (Valadez & Philip, 2015).
Participation
Catholic Social Thought proposes that “persons are not only sacred but also social”.
The organization of the society adversely affects the human dignity and the individual
upbringing. Social events and festivals are the means, which reflects the participation of the
people from all walks of life. The teachings of Catholic Social Thought reflects the necessity
to preserve the rights of the individuals in terms of participating in the social events. This is
because participation of the people ensure common good and wellbeing (Eick & Ryan, 2014).

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PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT
In this, the main focus is laid on the marginalized people, who are secluded from the
mainstream social activities. A minimal level of participation is needed from the people for
preserving the demands of justice and enhancing the human dignity.
Implications of the society on self and the community
The principles of Catholic Social Thought enhances the awareness of the people
regarding the practical realities of life. The principles are interrelated with each other.
God has created the human beings, but He has put into a community, so that we can
indulge in partnership with others. The community life is divided into two parts- family life
and services. If the families participate in the community services, the individual dignity of
the members are enhanced (Hill & Capella, 2014). Taking the assistance of the government in
ensuring the wellbeing of the community people proves beneficial in achieving positive
outcomes towards promoting Common Good. This promotion results in the creation of a
peaceful environment. According to the Catholic Social Thought, life is a creation of God,
Community
Family
life
Service
Participation Social and Political Action
The Common
Good

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PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT
which needs to be preserved and protected from violence. For this, the people need to
participate in the good deeds, which would enhance their dignity.
If the humans are aware of their rights and responsibilities, they would lead a healthy
lifestyle. This awareness would result in caring for the poor and neglected, resulting in large
scale participation. Involving the neglected and the marginalized empowers them, enhancing
their individual dignity as well as the people in charge of their development. Making the
community people aware of their rights and duties is an initiative towards creating a stable
and good society (McCann, 2014). The moral and social attitude towards ensuring common
good is considered as solidarity. The Catholic Social Thought proposes that it is the firm and
persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good. This reflects one’s
primary duties and responsibilities towards leading a good life.
Catering to all spheres of life equally leads to authentic development of the society as
well as of the inhabitants. Adhering to the principles of Catholic Social Thought is a holistic
approach towards ensuring the development of the society as a whole (Beattie, 2015). At this
juncture, the heading proves appropriate.
Conclusion
Catholic Social Thought plays a vital role in ensuring the wellbeing of the people. The
principles proposed by this Social Thought are flexible enough for enhancing the dignity of
the human beings. Exposing conscious approach towards engaging the marginalized people
in the mainstream activities results in their empowerment. Taking the governmental
assistance for achieving community development is fruitful in terms of creating a peaceful
environment. Organizing effective programs results in the promotion of peace, which is
necessary in terms of creating a good life for the humans.

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