UNCC 100 Assignment 2 PDF

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A pass assignment completed earlier this year...

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Throughout our lives we experience different aspects of the principles of Catholic Social Thought. This article in particular explores three of the nine principles of Catholic Social Thought and how they link to my profession as a secondary teacher in the future. These principles are the Dignity of the Human Person, the Common Good and Participation, all of which help establish a respectful and flourishing community within an educational institution. The Dignity of the Human Person is the respect we as humans treat others with, no matter the race, age, ability, ethnicity or economic status. Dignity is not earned and cannot be taken way; every person is worthy of respect as a member of the human race. It is important that we value and treat each person the way we want to be valued and treated. God created each being to be different from the next, however, he instils in everyone the value of respect regardless of features such as race and gender. Each person is a creation of God; thus, every person is irreplaceable, and require adequate measures to ensure the protection of Dignity of the human person (University of Notre Dame, 2015). To ensure the principle of Dignity is upheld and equality is experienced universally, human rights and worldwide responsibilities are essential in safeguarding people from mistreatment and discrimination (University of Notre Dame, 2015). Life is considered sacred; therefore, everyone is entitled to be part of society despite their socio-economic status, race, or capability (University of Notre Dame, 2015). In addition to equality, solidarity is vital in upholding and protecting the Dignity of Human Person because unity allows everyone to function as a family (University of Notre Dame, 2015) In Catholic Social Teachings, it is said the Common Good is “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily” (Gaudium et Spes 1965, 26). The principal of the Common Good is essential for a peaceful and unified community, and everyone is liable to contribute to the good of the society. Common is meant to signify all people, not the majority and definitely not just a group of people (Jared Dees, 2017). All people must respect, help and protect others to create an undivided society where people can live together harmoniously. To assist with promoting the Common Good of people, public authorities (government) must make the needs of basic living easily accessible, such as food, clothing, work, education and health. They must also respect and protect the human rights of people and ensure a morally acceptable form of security and defence to the people (Jared Dees, 2017). The Common Good is essential for the flourishing of an individual in a community and the community itself (Margo Boarders et al, 2018). If people are excluded from the flourishing of that individual or community due to poverty, it is the duty of the public authorities, as well as individual person, organisation or corporation to elevate the poverty so the Common Good is met (Australian Catholic University 2020, 1.5.3). The principle of Participation is the right and duty people have in shaping human society. All people have an active role in seeking the common good and wellbeing of all, notably the poor and the vulnerable (William J. Byron, 1998). To be excluded form Participation is a serious injustice, as it disables a person’s expression of freedom (Thomas Massaro, pg90)

The three Catholic Social Teaching Principles as stated above all contribute to the work community that I will belong and participate in future, which is, being a teacher at a secondary school. In a secondary school, students and even teachers may experience bullying which goes against the principle of the Dignity of the Human Person. They are not being treated in a way that others would want to be treated and it is important to evaluate and understand the issue before serious consequences such as depression, and/or suicide arises. As a teacher it would be my duty to stop the bullying from occurring, but also, prevent it from happening as God instilled everyone to be respected and treated fairly. Everyone deserves respect and equal treatment to uphold the principle of Human Dignity. The background of the child or co-worker (teacher) should not matter as God instils specific values in all of us in hopes of creating unity and peace between everyone. Despite many differences, we are meant to recognise each other as human beings (University of Notre Dame, 2015). Thus, being treated with respect is important because it serves as a moral value for society. In an educational community, the principle of Common Good is evident through the students’ learning experience. However, some students may have some difficulties in learning and if not addressed then the Common Good will not be met. My duty as a teacher would be to ensure that all students are at equal levels of learning, so no one is disadvantaged from the rest of the class. The principle of Common Good implies that all should be included regardless of status and current situation, so it is important that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed in class because this can lead to further success in life. The responsibility of students is to progress and learn, but also, help and support others to create solidarity amongst peers. This in turn can lead to students maturing and fulfilling their potential in life. The principle of Participation is apparent in an educational community as teachers take part in the shaping of human society. Everybody has a right to education as it is necessary for human fulfilment and to take away a person’s participation in education unjust (Fr Paul Devitt, n.d). Moreover, the lack of adequate education can negatively affect some students’ future more than others, nevertheless, their path to success is skewed. Some could potentially be harmful and disruptive to society, whereas others might no reach their fullest potential. My duty as teacher would be to guide students on the right pathway, ensuring they all participate in education and learning so in future, they can live a fulfilling and flourishing life. In conclusion, the principles of Dignity of the Human Person, the Common Good and Participation all have an important role in flourishing the community within an educational institution. My role as a teacher at a secondary school would not only include teaching but, as well as promoting these principles to ensure that students respect one another for who they are and for them have a fulfilling, purposeful life.

References Australian Catholic University, 2020, 1.5.3 UNCC100 ‘THE COMMON GOOD IS THE RESPONSIBILITY EACH PERSON AS WELL AS INSTITUTIONS’ viewed date, 22 April 2020, < https://leo.acu.edu.au/mod/book/view.php?id=2934992&chapterid=260747 > Fr Paul Devitt, ‘Principles of Catholic Social Teaching’, n.d. The Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn, viewed 23 April,

‘Gaudium et Spes, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World’, 1965, Northport, viewed date 22 April 2020, < https://www.cctwincities.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Gaudium-et-Spes-PastoralConstitution-on-the-Church-in-the-Modern-World.pdf > Jared Dees, ‘The Common Good, Catholic Social Teaching’, 2017, The Religion Teacher, viewed date 22 April 2020, < https://www.thereligionteacher.com/commongood/ > Margo Borders, Patrick Calderon, Juanita Esguerra, Kevin Kho, Tracy-Lynn Lockwood, Andrew Mach, Theodore Mueller, Adrian Pacurar, Clemens Sedmak, Rachel Ziegler, ‘Reflections on Memory, the Common Good, and Being Human’, 2018, Centre for Social Concerns, viewed 22 April 2020,

Thomas Massaro, ‘Living Justice, Catholic Social Teaching in Action’, 2016, Rowman & Littlefield, Third Classroom Edition, pg. 90, viewed date 22 April 2020, < https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy2.acu.edu.au/lib/acu/reader.action? docID=4085881 > University of Notre Dame, ‘An Introduction to the Principles of Catholic Social Thought’, 2015, Centre for Social Concerns, (2) The Life and Dignity of the Human Person, viewed date, 22 April 2020,

William J. Byron, ‘The 10 Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teaching’ 1998, America the Jesuit Review, viewed date 22 April 2020 < https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/1998/10/31/10-building-blocks-catholic-socialteaching >...