Kategoria sprawiedliwości rozdzielczej według Akwinaty i Jana Pawła II

Abstract

The published text consists of two main parts: 1. Iustitia distributiva according to St. Thomas Aquinas; 2. John Paul II on distributive justice. St. Thomas Aquinas defines justice as: suum cuique or suum cuique tribuere (give everyone what he deserves). However, distributive justice (iustitia distributiva) is only one of three categories of justice. In addition to the distributive justice of Aquinas, he also lists exchangeable justice (iustitia commutativa) and legal or general justice (iustitia legalis). This term fits into a rich tradition. It can be found in the writings of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, as well as in Roman law. Aquinas thought has been recognized in the pastoral teaching of St. John Paul II. He enriched the teaching of St. Thomas with his own reflections, which situate themselves in the stream of Christian personalism. Distributive justice refers to the relationship: community (family, state, church) ‒ individual (human person). According to him, iustitia distributiva means that the common good serves everyone (it is not only about the division of goods and money, but also about the legal order of this division). Its observance expresses genuine concern for satisfying the basic needs of individual people and gradually eliminating differences in their economic and social status. The concept of distributive justice is a rather theoretical construction. Nevertheless, it demands implementation in almost every area of human life. St. Thomas and St. John Paul II are both aware that basically there is no pure iusticia distributiva. It must be considered in the context of different types of justice (for example, general justice or social justice). In addition, the complementary relationship between distributive justice and charity is important.