A comparative note on the social concept of work in Aquinas and in recent Papal documents

Abstract

It is the purpose of this short note to project the contemporary validity of Aquinistic thought on work in its social context, in relation to some recent Papal documents. One of the basic notions on work, in Christian thought, is that work derives its value from the dignity of a human person as a worker. It has always been paramount, in the teaching of the Church, that work cannot be considered simply as a market instrument but primarily as man's highest action.