CST Ch. 4 question 1-12
How can love help a society to function more efficiently and effectively?
A just society can only be brought about from love and charity. It is safeguarded by the principle of subsidiarity. Love allows for us to respect others and uphold their dignity so our society can work well and we can work well together
Why is truth important to the healthy functioning of society?
Because it helps us live with integrity and a respect for others. It upholds our desire for justice and a fair society by having a truthful society and government.
In what ways do modern forms of government tend to limit or cripple subsidiarity?
By having central authorities be in charge of everything and not allowing matters to be solved at the local level.
What are the four permanent principles of Catholic social doctrine, and what makes them so important?
Dignity, common good, subsidiarity, solidarity. They are important because they are based on Divine Law and they apply in all social relationships. they are moral principles and therefore are binding on our consciences.
Is private property an absolute right? If not, why not?
It is not an absolute right, the state has the right to regulate the rights of ownership for the sake of the common good. We have to acquire and keep private property in ways that are legal and moral or it can be taken away from us.
What is subsidiarity?
Matters should be handled by the smallest and most local competent authority, rather than being handled default by a central authority
What are the limits of solidarity for a catholic?
Solidarity must be universal for Catholics because the Church is universal. We have to go beyond self-interest, ethnicities, cultures, and races.
What is participation, and how is it related to solidarity?
The principle by which people take active responsibility for their roles in society by means of labor, voting, community life, and so on. These actions affect the unity of people, which is what solidarity is concerned with.
What is solidarity?
The quality of communities or individuals being united in interests, sympathies, and aspirations.
What is private property, and how does it relate to the universal destination of goods?
The right of a person or community of persons to own, govern, and otherwise dispose of some part of creation. The universal destination of goods catholic doctrine that God created the goods of the earth to be shared in common by all people. They both relate to how to live in a community of people.
What is the common good, and how is it often confused or misunderstood?
The total of social conditions that will allow both individuals and groups to reach their human and spiritual fulfillment more easily. The common good is held in common, but it is for the sake of persons. It is not the same as the collective will of the people and it does not necessarily correspond to the most popular desires or beliefs
Does the state have the right to levy taxes? What principle of Catholic social doctrine allows for this?
Yes the state does have the right to levy taxes and the principle of Catholic social doctrine that allows this is private property.
