By the end of 2008 the world had found itself in a financial crisis, teetering on the brink of a global recession. At the same time, many scientists are convinced that the present century will witness climate change of catastrophic proportions, partly due to human activity and resulting in the death or displacement of millions. Urgent, clear and profound thinking is required.
The hundred years from 1891 to 1991 saw the development of a systematic papal teaching on society that has proved helpful and influential well beyond the Catholic Church. This teaching revolves around certain key principles and themes: beginning with (1) the inalienable dignity of the human person as created and called to perfection by God, on the basis of which it emphasizes (2) solidarity, or the intrinsic relationship of the person to the family, the community, and the common good; (3) subsidiarity, the maximization of human freedom and responsibility at the lowest and most local level compatible with the common good; and (4) sustainability or stewardship, or our responsibility for maintaining and cultivating the resources that have been entrusted to us.
On these pages we want to explore those principles, their possible applications, and the new paradigms they might inspire. All rights are reserved. The new-look Economy section of our main web-site can be found by following the link in this sentence, or by using the 'Economy' button on our main menu at the Second Spring website.
Please bear in mind that in these site titles we are using the word 'Economy' in a broad sense. The word originally comes from L. oeconomia, from Gk. oikonomia meaning "household management" (oikonomos "manager, steward," and oikos "house").
Meanwhile this blog invites comments from readers. Please note that we also have the facility for more extended conversion at http://secondspring.yuku.com.
A laudable undertaking! I look forward to reading future postings.
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