The Forgotten Principle: Fraternity in Its Public Dimension

In this article, the author presents background on the notion of fraternity, as well as events in Europe and in Latin America during the past decade or so that have led to a new scholarship on this “forgotten principle.” This scholarship that began in Europe, spread to Latin America, and then back to Europe with new insights and publications in the fields of philosophy, political science, sociology, psychology, economics, and theology. The author cites publications in both Europe and Latin America that have been important contributions to this scholarship. Chiara Lubich, as we will see in the following articles, has contributed to this intellectual movement. And Pope Francis has proclaimed that “fraternity” will be the theme of the Day for Peace in 2014.