The Responsibility Of The Common Good In The Catholic Church

Catholic social thought has provided a criteria for judgment and actions, as a means for creating a society where people can flourish. The common good principles are always anchored in the infinite dignity of every being within the society. There is an implementation of positive moral obligations, so that all can have the social conditions to reach their fulfillment. Rather than focusing on what a person should not do, the common good doctrine addresses the individual’s duty to do good and promote justice. Thus, it orients human action in politics, economics, and law, indeed, in all aspects of life. The common good applies to the social systems, institutions, and environments on which we all depend to work in a manner that benefits all people.

The Catholic church describes it as the “good of all people and of the whole person,” displaying the necessity for participation from each member. The common good can essentially be interpreted aggregatively, because a member of society could only reach full flourishing to the extent that every other member does. Because the responsibility over the common good falls on all members, each is expected to contribute according to his possibility and no one is exempt. Consequently, everyone is supposed to seek the good of others as one’s own good. This idea therefore differs from that of pursuing the ‘greatest good for the greatest number,’ with which this can be confused, because the pursuit of the common good entrusts care for the greatest good of all persons. This is based on the belief that if anyone is deprived of what is essential, then the common good has been betrayed. Furthering this notion, the common good also provides a balance against too strong an individualism by emphasizing the social aspect of the person. Individuals thereby base decisions and actions on the collective wellbeing of the society, rather than self-serving morality. The human person cannot find fulfillment in himself, that is, apart from the fact that he exists with others and for