Solidarność jako cnota społeczna ; Solidarity as a Social Virtue

This paper discusses the notion of solidarity defined as a social virtue and as an attitude displayed by a Christian. John Paul II defined solidarity as “strong and lasting will to get engaged for the benefit of the common good, that is the good of all people and of each person.” Apart from the presentation of the semantic scope of the notion of solidarity and the outline of its historical development in theological studies, the paper presents solidarity as a virtue – an actual manifestation of love towards one’s community: it serves the common good, but it also enriches the person who loves his community. The family and the international community are those areas where solidarity is best visible and where it grows. Solidarity manifests itself through political engagement, care for the poor and through patriotic attitudes.