Human Dignity and the Dignity of Work Insights

I. CST and its relevance for human dignity (HD) and the dignity of work

II. HD in CST 1. HD: intrinsic worth; reason/autonomy; recognition/respect; universal attribution (UDHR) 2.

III. Do. W in CST 1. Evolution of the notion of work: vs. aristocratic

IV. Implications for the right to work (R 2 W), rights of workers (Ro.

Slides: 6

Download presentation

Human Dignity and the Dignity of Work. Insights from Catholic Social Teaching (CST) Alejo José G. Sison, Ignacio Ferrero and Gregorio Guitián

I. CST and its relevance for human dignity (HD) and the dignity of work (Do. W) II. HD in CST III. Do. W in CST IV. Implications for the right to work (R 2 W), rights of workers (Ro. W) and globalization

I. CST and its relevance for human dignity (HD) and the dignity of work (Do. W) 1. CST: Official Church teaching on social issues (moral theology), RN-Ge. S-Compendium-LS, permanent principles for evolving realities (common good, subsidiarity, solidarity, etc. ) 2. Relevance? Catholics are 17. 5% of world population/ Pope as moral and spiritual leader. Faith claims not contrary to reason; natural law tradition Emerging field of spirituality and management

II. HD in CST 1. HD: intrinsic worth; reason/autonomy; recognition/respect; universal attribution (UDHR) 2. Human being as “imago Dei” (Gn 1: 27). Interpretations: a. Substantialist: HD as attribute of unity of body/soul (inherent/intrinsic) b. Relational: HD as attribute of humans as relational beings (acknowledgment/recognition) c. Functional: HD as attribute of humans who exercise dominion/care (development/excellence)

III. Do. W in CST 1. Evolution of the notion of work: vs. aristocratic ideal; Catholic Church (opus humanum; actus humanus; intellectual work; vocation; Jesus’ example) 2. Duty to work/right to work: divine command in Genesis; balance between rights and duties in society 3. Subjective dimension of work/objective dimension: person/things; intransitive/transitive; stable/contingent

IV. Implications for the right to work (R 2 W), rights of workers (Ro. W) and globalization 1. R 2 W > to form & keep a family, to own property, to contribute to the common good. Universal attribution. Duty/right to rest 2. Ro. W: subjective dimension/objective dimension (the purpose is not to produce more or better goods); “decent work”; Labor/capital; participation in ownership/management/profits 3. Globalization as ethically neutral/ambivalent; need to uphold workers’ rights and protect human dignity