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The Origin and Content of the Notion of »Solidarity«

Špiro Marasović ; Katolički bogoslovni fakultet Sveučilišta u Splitu, Split, Hrvatska

Sažetak

Since the word »solidarity« in usage has multiple meanings, including inflationary, the purpose of this article is to examine the origin and confirm the content of the concept of »solidarity«, or more precisely, to define it theologically. To achieve this, the author uses the method of structural analysis, that is, diachronic and synchronic analysis of the concept. Consequently, the author in the first part analyses the genesis of the word itself, whose origins are not only recognised in the Latin words »solidus« and »solidare«, but also in the judicial expression of Ancient Rome »in solido«, expressing the obligation of the guarantor that he accept the liability for the whole sum of the debit. On this notion is founded the French word »solidaire« by which »solidarity« entered contemporary usage. The second part of the article seeks a meta-ethical basis of solidarity and its constitutive presumptions. The author recognises these bases in social ontology, hence showing how one path leads from individualistic anthropology with the interest of motivation, most often adopted by sociology, while the other path leads from personalistic anthropology with love as motivation, adopted by Catholic theology. Catholic theology besides these mentioned finds other bases in God's love in self-denial that also obliges Christ's followers. On this foundation depends a specific content of »solidarity« as a concept and virtue, of which the author speaks in the third part of the article where he presents, compares and interprets the various definitions with a special emphasis on the definition by John Paul II in the encyclical Sollicitudo rei socialis. Finally, as a synthesis all that has been said, the author recommends his own definition: »Solidarity is a continuous and steadfast internal option for an afflicted person, which, accompanied by such external assistance and support from the one who offers it, generates a certain amount of risk.« The fourth part concludes the article in which the notion of solidarity and its typology is recounted.

Ključne riječi

society; person; solidarity; solidarism; reciprocity; responsibility; interest; love

Hrčak ID:

25619

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/25619

Datum izdavanja:

3.8.2004.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 5.073 *