The common good is simply the sum totals of social conditions that enable people to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily, individually or as a group (John Paul II, 118). It is important for every aspect of social life to contain this principle. With common good, people are in a position to help out each other without being judgmental or asking for something in return. However, for this principle to excel or hold ground, it must stem from dignity, unity and equality of all individuals or humans. Common good can be understood as a social and community dimension of the moral good simply because it is indivisible and is only attained together. Common good involves an obligation to promote the well-being in the society by avoiding harmful actions and increasing benefits (Woods, 117). Woods further argues that the concept is also complicated but is used to encourage actions that align with the doctrine of the common good that allows people to live peacefully in a community. An individual cannot attain fulfillment in him because he exists “with” others and “for” others.
Some individuals in the society use the common good principles to attain their selfish goals. According to Paul II (119), the common good must be served in its fullness without having being selfish or considering ones benefit only. Pope Paul also argues that one should enjoy the benefits that of social life that come with the common good.
In the political arena, the state also has the responsibility of attaining the common good. Political authority and responsibilities only exist due to the principle of common good. Politicians are meant to serve the people that have elected them to power. Their main role in political offices is ensuring that their people are well catered for socially and economically. Serving them as a whole and not taking the opportunity to further their selfish agendas is seen the common good. It is their main responsibility and thus it falls in line with the doctrine of the common good. Political institutions are important because individuals and groups cannot make to attain the common good on their own. Political institutions help these individuals and groups materials, cultural, moral and spiritual goods by providing them with the necessary (Paul II, 191). When the government harmonizes the different sectoral interests with the required justice, it is helping advance the course of common good in that country. For nations that operate under democracy where decisions are made by the majority of representatives in the government, the responsibilities should be interpreted in the common good of the country. They should not be based on the guidelines or the needs of the majority. They should also be according to the good of every individual in the community including the minority.
The principle of common goods demands two major things. The first of these is the understanding that all of creation is for humanity (Lavastida, 177). The first important issue of this doctrines shows that human beings bear the responsibility of developing this creation and perfecting it for their use. Goods that were created by God should be available for each and every individual that walks on the face of this universe. The second important issue of this principle is that when appropriation of created things brings about a situation in which this common heritage given to humanity through creation is threatened, the common good demands the expropriation of certain goods from individuals for their misuse so as to make the principle operational (Lavastaida, 177). As time goes by, these demands change or keep on changing, though they are determined by the basic sense of eternal law. When people act in favor of own benefit or greed, the state should act or curtail such behaviors for the sake of the common good. Due to this, a minority in the state who cannot afford such luxuries or are being taken advantage of will be safe. Common good will only hold ground if it attains ultimate ends of individuals and the universal common good of the universe as a whole. It means that common good of the society is not an end in itself.
In conclusion, it is very important for individuals, groups, teams and states to practice the principle of the common good. Though we have individuals in society who base their actions and thoughts for their personal gains, the act of the common good should be at the top of the list. It is important to do things that help each and every individual in the society since all of the creation is for each and every person in this universe. God created everything for use by humans and, therefore, humans should ensure that the use this creation for their benefit and the benefit of everyone. As much as increasing the benefits of God’s creation is recommended due to an increase in human population, it is also important for those in charge to ensure that the benefits are for everyone. Governments or people in charge of nations should ensure that the people they rule benefit from all the goods in the nation. Any help such as justice should be availed so as to achieve the principle of the common good in the country. Those that do not act according to this principle should be punished to help others learn a lesson and act according to this principle. For nations under democracy, individuals charged with the responsibility of leadership should ensure that they make rules and decisions that benefit both the majority and the minority.
Works Cited
Lavastida, José I..Health care and the common good: a Catholic theory of justice. Lanham, Md.:
Woods, Deb. Nanotechnology: ethics and society. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2008. Print.
Pope John Paul II, “The Principle of the Common Good.
