Universalism versus Particularisms in Economic Systems: A Doctrinal Analysis from the Perspective of Distributism

Abstract

The search for the optimal solution in the area of economic systems is a perpetual effort of humanity. Amongst endless disputes and conflicts between various parties, the quality of objectiveness and general effectiveness in addressing human needs could be defined as a universally desirable element. The author uses the outline of a Polish Dominican Thomist, Father Jacek Woroniecki’s works, in the search for the best answer to the problem. This original method of analysis is applied to the three most common systems, as described by Catholic thinkers Hilaire Belloc and Gilbert Keith Chesterton. The study is conducted from the perspective of the role of property, state action and morality. The methods used involve a doctrinal, legal and philosophical examination. The results prove that distributism is the most holistic, universal solution, whereas capitalism and socialism are particularistic in their nature, thus limited and unsatisfactory. The paper’s scientific outcome adds to the better understanding of the aforementioned systems, as well as to the pursuit of the best possible human economy.