402. What is the relationship between the person and society?
(Comp 402) The human person is and ought
to be the principle, the subject and the end of all social institutions.
Certain societies, such as the family and the civic community, are necessary
for the human person. Also helpful are other associations on the national and
international levels with due respect for the principle of subsidiarity.
“In brief”
(CCC 1892) "The human person… is and ought to be the
principle, the subject, and the object of every social organization" (GS
25 § 1). (CCC 1893) Widespread participation in voluntary associations and
institutions is to be encouraged.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 1881) Each community is defined by its purpose and
consequently obeys specific rules; but "the human person… is and ought to be the principle, the subject and the
end of all social institutions" (GS 25 § 1). (CCC 1882) Certain societies,
such as the family and the state, correspond more directly to the nature of
man; they are necessary to him. To promote the participation of the greatest
number in the life of a society, the creation of voluntary associations and
institutions must be encouraged "on both national and international
levels, which relate to economic and social goals, to cultural and recreational
activities, to sport, to various professions, and to political affairs"
(John XXIII, MM 60). This "socialization"
also expresses the natural tendency for human beings to associate with one
another for the sake of attaining objectives that exceed individual capacities.
It develops the qualities of the person, especially the sense of initiative and
responsibility, and helps guarantee his rights (Cf. GS 25 § 2; CA 12).
Reflection
(CCC 1913) "Participation" is the voluntary and
generous engagement of a person in social interchange. It is necessary that all
participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common
good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person. (CCC 1929)
Social justice can be obtained only in respecting the transcendent dignity of
man. The person represents the ultimate end of society, which is ordered to
him: What is at stake is the dignity of the human person, whose defense and
promotion have been entrusted to us by the Creator, and to whom the men and
women at every moment of history are strictly and responsibly in debt (John
Paul II, SRS 47).
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