The Common Good According to Karol Wojtyła: A Personalist Approach

Abstract

This article analyzes Karol Wojtyła’s vision of the common good. In the first place, it presents the central criterion on which Wojtyła bases his vision: the primacy of the person over society. Then it analyzes the concepts of participation and alienation. It then proceeds to analyze the different models of social interaction found in Wojtyła’s texts: society, community, neighbor-system and communio personarum. Based on this set of premises, the incorrect way to understand the common good in individualistic and collectivist societies is shown. And, afterwards, the way in which Wojtyła understands it. The common good is the good that includes at the same time the good of the individual persons and the good of society and it is achieved through participation. Finally, the article shows several attitudes towards the common good. The authentic ones: solidarity, opposition, and dialogue. And the inauthentic ones: conformism and avoidance.