Original scientific paper
The concept of solidarity in the thought of John Paul II: philosophical and theological framework and its application to the resolution of international conflicts
Zdenko Spajić
orcid.org/0000-0001-7194-8374
; University of Sarajevo - Catholic Theological Faculty, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract
The Concept of Solidarity in the Thought of John Paul II: Philosophical and Theological Framework and Its Application to the Resolution of International Conflicts Solidarity, as a principle, has a central place in the social teaching of the Church. Although it exists as an idea from the beginning of the Judeo-Christian tradition, solidarity as a concept has its beginnings in the 19th century when it was developed as an alternative to the dominant ideologies of individualism and collectivism. Pope John Paul II, in a specific way, contributed to the development of this concept. Moreover, solidarity has a significant position in his teachings and pronouncements, particularly with respect to the areas of human work and international relations. Since John Paul II often refers to solidarity as a solution for international relations, it is necessary to discern the philosophical and theological framework of the concept of solidarity in the thought of John Paul II. Thus the author first investigates the philosophical and theological anthropology in his prepapal and papal period, limiting the investigation to the aspects leading to the point where solidarity appears as a synthesis of personalism and communalism. In the next section the author investigates the concept of solidarity under the aspect of international relations and resolution of international conflicts. A significant consideration in this section is given to the presentation of the objects of
solidarity (justice, respect for individual and national rights, and the common good). In addition, the author treats the issue of the means of solidarity by which the virtue of solidarity, which regulates interpersonal relations, is transformed into adequate structures. By analyzing the goals and means of solidarity, the author at the same time presents the teaching of John Paul II concerning solidarity serving for the resolution of international conflicts.
Keywords
Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II; solidarity; peace; justice; human rights; national rights; international relations; resolution of international conflicts
Hrčak ID:
279148
URI
Publication date:
27.6.2010.
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