subsidiarity etymology

Etymology:

  • From Latin "subsidium" (help, support) + "-arius" (relating to)

Meaning:

  • The principle that decisions should be made at the lowest possible level of authority where they can be most effectively implemented.

Origin:

  • The concept of subsidiarity can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, where it was known as "limited government" or "rule by the people."
  • In the Roman Catholic Church, the principle of subsidiarity was first articulated in the encyclical "Quadragesimo Anno" by Pope Pius XI in 1931.
  • In modern Catholic social teaching, subsidiarity is considered a fundamental principle along with solidarity, personalism, and the common good.

Explanation:

Subsidiarity suggests that:

  • Decisions should be made at the most local level possible where individuals or communities are most affected.
  • Higher levels of authority should only intervene when necessary to ensure that essential functions are carried out.
  • This approach empowers local communities, promotes self-reliance, and reduces the need for centralized control.

Applications:

  • Government: Decentralization of power to local authorities
  • Education: Decisions about school curriculum and administration being made by local school boards
  • Business: Employee empowerment and decision-making at lower levels
  • Church: Allowing individual parishes to make decisions about local matters within the broader framework of church doctrine

subsidiarity relate terms

  • subsidiary

    Etymology Latin subsidiarius meaning reserve or auxiliary Derived from subsido

  • subsidy

    Etymology The word subsidy comes from the Late Latin word subsidium meaning support

  • servant

    Etymology The word servant derives from the Old French word serjant meaning attend

  • iris

    Etymology Greek íris Meaning Rainbow Messenger of the gods Goddess of the rainb

  • hamartia

    Etymology Greek ἁμαρτία hamartía meaning error wrongdoing or sin

  • sufficient

    Etymology The word sufficient comes from the Latin word sufficientis which itself i

  • market

    Etymology The word market is derived from the Late Latin word mercatus meaning trad

  • pluck

    Etymology Middle English plukken from Old English pluccian probably from a Proto Ge

  • constellation

    Etymology The word constellation is derived from the Latin word constellatio which

  • epic

    Etymology The word epic originates from the Ancient Greek word epos which means wo

  • brunette

    Etymology The word brunette derives from the Old French word brunet which in turn c