Principles Rerum novarum

1 principles

1.1 dignity of person
1.2 common good
1.3 subsidiarity

principles

the encyclical mentions several fundamental principles guide relationships between capital , labor.

dignity of person

leo states that, ...according natural reason , christian philosophy, working gain creditable, not shameful, man, since enables him earn honorable livelihood. maintains person s dignity derives fact he/she created in image of god , endowed free , immortal soul.

guidelines maintain respect , dignity of person in workplace therefore indicate:

one should given time off of work worship god, , allowed time fulfill family obligations;
one should have periods of rest , not expected work long hours prevent 1 getting adequate sleep;
one should not required work in unsafe conditions in danger of bodily harm;
one should not forced work in immoral conditions endanger soul;
an employer should pay fair wage , employee should give full day s work full day s pay.

the pope mentioned work in mines, , outdoor work in seasons, dangerous health , requiring additional protections. condemned use of child labor interfering education , development of children.

fair wages defined in rerum novarum @ least living wage, leo recommended paying more that: enough support worker, wife , family, little savings left on worker can improve condition on time. preferred women work @ home.

common good

without recommending 1 form of government on another, leo put forth principles appropriate role of state in government. primary purpose of state provide common good. people have equal dignity regardless of social class, , government protects rights , cares needs of members, both rich , poor. leo pointed out in way contributor common , s contribution important.

pope leo xiii points out no 1 should forced share goods, stealing, however, when 1 blessed material wealth, 1 should use benefit many others possible. catechism of catholic church lists 3 principal aspects of common good: 1) respect human person , rights; 2) social well-being , development; , 3) peace, stability , security of order.

subsidiarity

pope leo criticized socialism in seeks replace rights , duties of parents, families , communities supervision of state.the civil government should not intrude , exercise control on family, basic building block of society. however, if family finds in exceeding distress due illness, injury, or natural disaster right extreme necessity met public aid, since each family part of commonwealth. same token, if within household there occur grave disturbance of mutual rights, public authority should intervene force each party yield other proper due. should intervene when family or community unable or unwilling fulfill rights , duties in regard members.