Primacy of Common Good

​In today's world, 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 what they considered moral principles and effective ways of governing their societies, ideas later associated with the 'Common Good'. 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 linked what he understood as the 'Common Good' to the moral virtue of citizens within his theological framework. 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 idea of Political Friendship offers a strategically useful foundation for thinking about cooperation in what we label '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 strategically 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 not a fixed but a crucial concept for the integration, justice, and prosperity of a society. It is important to consider everyone's interests and guides decision-making for the benefit of current and future generations. The strength of Common Good, although a contested ideal, lies in being renegotiated across differences. It is a strategic frame to balance the need of human agency with collective survival, not a static endpoint. A society oriented towards an inclusive Common Good(s) framework 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.