愛德要求並使人能夠實踐正義，在社會誡命中佔著最重要的位置。

401. 人的社會特性在於什麼？

在人的本性和召喚的基本要素中，除了真福的個人召喚外，還有其社會特性。實在，所有的人都為了同一終向，即為了天主本身而被召。天主聖三的結合，和人與人之間應在真理和愛中建立的兄弟手足情誼，有相似之處。愛近人與愛天主是分不開的。

402. 人與社會有什麼關係？

人是且該是所有社會組織的本原、主體及宗旨。某些社會團體，如家庭和國家，是人所需要的。其他組織，不論是國內或是國際層面上的，遵照輔助性的原則，也是十分有用的。

403. 輔助性的原則是什麼？

輔助性原則是指較高層的社會不應剝奪較低層社會的權限，以干預其內部生活，反而應在必要時支持它。

404. 真實的社會生活還有什麼要求？

社會生活必須尊重公義和正確的價值等級，物質和本能的層次應隸屬於內在和精神的層次。尤其在社會風氣為罪惡所腐化的地方，就要呼籲人心的皈依，和懇求天主的恩寵，好能促成社會的改變，使它真實地為每個人和整個的人服務。讓愛德激勵正義的改革。愛德要求並使人能夠實踐正義，在社會誡命中佔著最重要的位置。


來源：《天主教教理簡編》
http://dcc.catholic.org.hk/Testing/CCCC.htm


401. In what does the social dimension of man consist?

Together with the personal call to beatitude, the human person has a communal dimension as an essential component of his nature and vocation. Indeed, all are called to the same end, God himself. There is a certain resemblance between the communion of the divine Persons and the fraternity that people are to establish among themselves in truth and love. Love of neighbor is inseparable from love for God.

402. What is the relationship between the person and society?

The human person is and ought to be the principle, the subject and the end of all social institutions. Certain societies, such as the family and the civic community, are necessary for the human person. Also helpful are other associations on the national and international levels with due respect for the principle of subsidiarity.

403. What is the principle of subsidiarity?

The principle of subsidiarity states that a community of a higher order should not assume the task belonging to a community of a lower order and deprive it of its authority. It should rather support it in case of need.

404. What else is required for an authentic human society?

Authentic human society requires respect for justice, a just hierarchy of values, and the subordination of material and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones. In particular, where sin has perverted the social climate, it is necessary to call for the conversion of hearts and for the grace of God to obtain social changes that may really serve each person and the whole person. Charity, which requires and makes possible the practice of justice, is the greatest social commandment.


405. What is the foundation of the authority of society?

Every human community needs a legitimate authority that preserves order and contributes to the realization of the common good. The foundation of such authority lies in human nature because it corresponds to the order established by God.

406. When is authority exercised in a legitimate way?

Authority is exercised legitimately when it acts for the common good and employs morally licit means to attain it. Therefore, political regimes must be determined by the free decision of their citizens. They should respect the principle of the “rule of law” in which the law, and not the arbitrary will of some, is sovereign. Unjust laws and measures contrary to the moral order are not binding in conscience.

407. What is the common good?

By the common good is meant the sum total of those conditions of social life which allow people as groups and as individuals to reach their proper fulfillment.

408. What is involved in the common good?

The common good involves: respect for and promotion of the fundamental rights of the person, the development of the spiritual and temporal goods of persons and society, and the peace and security of all.

409. Where can one find the most complete realization of the common good?

The most complete realization of the common good is found in those political communities which defend and promote the good of their citizens and of intermediate groups without forgetting the universal good of the entire human family.

410. How does one participate in bringing about the common good?

All men and women according to the place and role that they occupy participate in promoting the common good by respecting just laws and taking charge of the areas for which they have personal responsibility such as the care of their own family and the commitment to their own work. Citizens also should take an active part in public life as far as possible.


source: Compendium OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html