COMMON GOOD APPROACH

CodyKyleMattLouis

Jennifer

Common Good / Communal Approach

Summary;

The common good, or Communal Approach Theory, describes a specific “good” that is shared and beneficial for all (or most) members of a given community /society.

Consideration and decisions are made to benefit the majority, not the individual.

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Also known as Thomas of Aquin or Aquino born 1225 died March 7th, 1274 Priest of the Roman Catholic Italian Model for those studying for the

priesthood. One of the 33 Doctors of the Church

Saint Thomas Aquinas Contributions

Revelation-Aquinas believed that truth is known through reason and faith

Helped define what is good and how man can achieve good.

Aristotle

Born 384 BC died 322 BC Greek philosopher A student of Plato Teacher of Alexander the Great. His Writings:

Physics Logic Politics Ethics

Aristotle's Contributions

• injustice stands in the way of the common good.

• Motivations of injustice: Money Honor Power Desires

• Leads us to wonder what the political conditions are for the common good.

John Locke

Born August 29th, 1632 and died October 28th, 1704

English physician Philosopher regarded as one of the most influential of

Enlightenment thinkers

John Locke’s Contributions

Laws could only be legitimate if they sought to achieve the common good.

Plato

Born 427 BC and died 348 Greek philosopher Mathematician Writer

Plato’s Contributions

Personal Interest takes away from the common good. Examples:

Money Private Property Family

Adam Smith

Born June 16th 1723, died July 17th, 1790 Scottish Pioneer of political economy Key figure of Scottish Enlightment

Adam Smith’s Contributions

Pursuit of self interest hurts the common good

Every action has a counter action.

Criticisms

There is no strict definition of the common good for each situation The good that is common between person A and person B

may not be the same as between person A and person C Thus the common good can often change

Criticisms

Karl Popper, Christoph Fehige and Clark Wolf argue that negative utilitarianism is more effective Promotes the least amount of evil or harm for the greatest

number of people The greatest harms are more consequential than the greatest

goods

Comparisons Individualistic Approach vs. Communal

Approach Both incorporate a different view of

moral responsibility Present different ethical principles to

resolve ethical problems

Individualistic Approach

•Ethics in organizations reflect this approach

•Every person is morally responsible for his/her

behaviors

•Efforts to change behavior should focus on the

individual

Communal Approach

Individuals are not viewed in isolation

Everyone is a member of the community

Every is partially responsible for others’

behaviors

Understanding and changing an individual would

mean understanding and changing the

community

Alcoholic-Impaired Parenting Functions

Inconsistent Unpredictable Lacking in clear rules and limits Chaotic parenting Poor home environment High levels of family conflict

Common Good Approach with Alcoholic Parents

Behavioral and academic difficulties Negative self-concepts Fearfulness Loneliness Difficulties in concentrating Attendance Work completion

Common Good Approach with Alcoholic Parents

Being an alcoholic has lifelong affects on your mental and physical health.

Has a heavy affect on your children and are more than likely to, “follow in your footsteps”.

Living the lifestyle of an alcoholic is a selfish decision and is not a Common Good approach at life.

“. . . this is the first precept of the law, that good is to be done and promoted, and evil is to be avoided. All other precepts of the

natural law are based on this . . .”

Quote from Thomas Aquinas

Review Questions

Can anyone provide an example of the “Common Good” approach?

Who were the main developers of the “Common Good” approach?

What is a main criticism of the “Common Good” approach?

What Student of Plato Argued that injustices stand in the way of the common good?

Any Questions