​The concept of the Common Good has become increasingly important but largely ignored. Let's dig again.

To outline, the concept of the Common Good is rooted in the thoughts of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers. Plato and Aristotle advocated for morality and good governance. While Cicero and St. Augustine's ideas on the Common Good aimed at peace and social harmony, they did not view it as the state's duty to create conditions for everyone's development. Thomas Aquinas related the Common Good to citizens' moral goodness. However, his view did not consider the need to adapt to social changes. Philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Bentham viewed the Common Good as the sum of private interests, which led to individualism.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, amidst the conflict between economic liberalism and socialism, the Catholic Church's social teachings revitalized the concept of the Common Good. Popes Leo XIII and Pius XI emphasized human dignity, workers' rights, and social justice. Pope John XXIII defined the Common Good more broadly, urging the protection of individual rights, recognizing the role of social organizations, and accepting government intervention.

The Second Vatican Council further clarified the concept of the Common Good and detailed the role of government authorities and agencies in protecting and promoting conditions that enhance human development and fulfillment. Pope Paul VI warned against exercising property rights contrary to the Common Good. He placed more emphasis on international responsibilities, declaring that "the social question has become a global issue."

Until now, the view of the Common Good might seem predominantly Christian, you may think.

I will discuss the Common Good based on the ideas of Aristotle, Rousseau, and John Rawls.

Aristotle's concept of Political Friendship is a crucial foundation in politics. This idea suggests that mutual understanding, respect, and willingness to cooperate among citizens are essential for building a good society. Political Friendship promotes intimacy, trust, and loyalty among citizens, which contribute to a stable and prosperous society.

Then, Rousseau's General Will theory represents the general desire of a society. This concept assumes that everyone has a desire to seek the good of the whole society beyond their own interests. It is more than the sum of personal interests. In his "Discourses on Political Economy," he argues that the General Will can achieve justice because it benefits everyone without excluding anyone. This theory considers everyone's rights and needs, including minority voices, enabling a more comprehensive Common Good.

Later, John Rawls' concepts become particularly important for modern democratic nations. Political unity promotes cooperation and understanding between different groups. Public Reason, which is needed for the development of equal treatment (Veil of Ignorance in his language) encourages rationality, transparency, and fairness in decision-making. These concepts help in making decisions that are inclusive and acceptable to all.

Combining the ideas of these philosophers, we can define the Common Good as a concept that incorporates the following elements:

a) Benefiting All - The Common Good must benefit everyone in society, enhancing the quality of life for all human beings regardless of wealth, education, race, or religion.
b) Fairness - The Common Good should not prioritize one class or group but create fair benefits for the entire society. It should promote justice through fair distribution of opportunities, resources, and services, based on public reason.
c) Inclusivity - The Common Good should not exclude anyone. It must consider the needs and concerns of minorities, marginalized groups, and vulnerable classes. It should create social and political processes that allow everyone to participate.
d) Sustainability - The Common Good should benefit not only the current generation but also future generations. It should focus on environmental conservation, sustainable economic development, and social stability.
e) Encouraging Cooperation - The Common Good should promote cooperation, unity, friendship and mutual understanding within society. It should encourage collective problem-solving and collaborative goal achievement.

​In conclusion, the Common Good is a crucial concept for the integration, justice, and prosperity of a society. It considers everyone's interests and guides decision-making for the benefit of current and future generations. A society oriented towards the Common Good can achieve a more just, united, and sustainable future. We must also strive for Common Good in different tiers of social structures: family, state or global community.

Politics is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been defined and interpreted in various ways by scholars, politicians, and thinkers throughout history. In this blog post, we'll explore different perspectives on politics and how they shape our understanding of this crucial aspect of human society.

Harold Lasswell, a prominent political scientist, viewed politics as a process of "who gets what, when, and how." This succinct definition highlights the distributive nature of politics and its role in allocating resources and power within a society.

For David Easton, another influential political theorist, politics is about "the authoritative allocation of values for a society." This perspective emphasizes the role of politics in determining and enforcing societal norms and priorities.

Vladimir Lenin, the Russian revolutionary leader, took a more economic approach, stating that "politics is the most concentrated expression of economics." This view underscores the close relationship between political power and economic systems.

Bernard Crick offers a more comprehensive definition, describing politics as "the activity by which differing interests within a given unit of rule are conciliated by giving them a share in power in proportion to their importance to the welfare and the survival of the whole community." This perspective highlights the role of politics in managing diverse interests and fostering cooperation within a society.

Adrian Leftwich expands on this idea, suggesting that politics encompasses all the activities of cooperation, negotiation, and conflict that arise when people come together to use, produce, and distribute resources in the production and reproduction of their social and biological life. This broad definition recognizes politics as an inherent part of human interaction and social organization.

Despite these varying interpretations, it's clear that politics is not something abstract or irrelevant to ordinary people's lives. In fact, our behaviors and lives are constantly influenced by political institutions, while we, in turn, shape these institutions through our actions and choices.

The diversity of these perspectives reminds us that politics is not a monolithic concept but a dynamic and evolving field of study and practice. It touches every aspect of our lives, from the most personal decisions to global affairs.

Understanding these different viewpoints on politics can help us become more informed and engaged citizens. By recognizing the various dimensions of politics - from resource allocation and value determination to conflict resolution and social cooperation - we can better appreciate its importance in shaping our societies and our individual lives.

Let me give my personal favorite! Mark Warren focuses that politics is the intersection of Conflict and Power. I also add a directional factor there: collaboration. So, to me politics is at the intersection of Conflict and Power and more political means finding a space for collaboration. On the other hand, the less collaborative and more polarized, it becomes less political and more like a war. This give a sense that we must focus on Political Friendship and Common Good(s) in order to be more political and create a better system.

A strong and harmonious society is built on a foundation of good political systems, which in turn are shaped by an informed and active citizenry. By engaging with politics and understanding its multifaceted nature, we can contribute to creating more just, equitable, and prosperous communities for all. Let's focus on our political friendship and common good!