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영어

In order to understand and explain the individual, the society, and the common good, Messner chooses the inductive method that focuses on the experience. Nevertheless, his basic perspective also follows the traditional Catholic theory of the Natural law that emphasizes the deductive method. He basically attempts to unite individual and society through the ontological, metaphysical aspect. According to his theory, individuals obtain personality through the image of God. And society is not the sum of individuals but an ontological existence. Messner argues that there are two aspects inhuman nature: the individual and the social. He observes these two aspects so that he could rectify the misunderstandings caused by individualism and collectivism. There is a close relationship between the justice and the common good, because the common good is the complete realization of the justice. By explaining the meanings and the kinds of the common good, Messner extends the understanding of individualism and collectivism. Also, “the existential ends” he suggests is a unique idea, and it supports the new natural law which contains his apprehension of individual, society, and the common good.