Social freedom and equality

Abstract

The author concentrates upon three problems: social freedom, social equality and the relation between the two notions (consensus or discrepancy). According to the author social freedom is realized in human rights to freedom. Social freedom is confined by unjust socio-economic and political structures, and economic underdevelopment: famine, poverty, diseases, illiteracy and the like. The realization of social freedom depends not only on the socio-economic development of a country but also on the moral maturity of all citizens, especially those wielding power. The author rejects the thesis of individualism which states that the freedom of one man confines the freedom of another man. Other men and various communities, including the state, are necessary to release freedom. Social freedom develops from the mutual participation in the inner freedom of individuals in a concrete socio-economic situation. It is realized in the state and through the state. The "confinement” of freedom on the part of the state should be carried out in the name of social freedom itself and the common good. The author also shows the existence of the interdependence of freedom and property. The process of the dissemination of private property is parallel to the process of gaining independence i.e. freedom. This principle is also valid with reference to international relations. Countries dependent economically on other countries are also politically dependent.

The author thinks that it is difficult to define equality because it has a number of dimensions: ontological, socio-legal, economic, cultural and political. Equality' can be interpreted as the state of reality or a moral standard, the principle of law or the principle of the organization of economic and political life. The basis of equality in all these dimensions is human dignity. All people are equal in this respect but there are many natural differences such as: the difference in intelligence, industry, sex, health, energy. These differences result also from the process of socialization and the ability to take right decisions. Discussing social equality the author emphasizes the equal participation of citizens in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the state. The emphasis put on participation and responsibility allows the author to show not only ' the passive but also the dynamic elements of social equality.

The author formulates three theses: 1) The existing natural inequalities among people lead to social inequalities. There have always been tendencies to subject other individuals (even outstanding ones) and whole social groups by breaking moral rules. The socio-economic and political system itself, in accordance with the moral principles it is based on, produces social inequalities and reinforces them. 2) It is necessary that the democratic state should represent the stable power that would preserve the social inequalities resulting from the natural differentiation of contribution to the common good, but to eliminate the inequalities originating from breaking moral rules and prevent their production by socio-economic structures. Human dignity, which must always be put before natural random differences, demands equalization whereas the random natural differences demand differentiation in dividing the national income and in other spheres.

Authors who maintain that there is an antagonism between freedom and equality are accused of making a methodological mistake lying in the fact that behind the facade of basic values they try to hide the egoistically protected interests of individuals, social groups and even whole nations.

The author thinks that freedom and equality are interdependent and complementary. They result from human dignity, they are justified by it and serve to protect it. Freedom and equality are realized in human rights. Human rights are complementary (they constitute a unity). Unlimited freedom leads to inequality and negation of freedom itself. Extreme egalitarianism destroys freedom and breaks equality.

Into the discussion of the two systems-freedom or equality-Catholic social science introduces the concept of the unity of human rights.