Mercy and Justice in Economic Life and the Question of a Fulfilled Life. The View of Holger Zaborowski

Abstract

The article presents the latest scholarly output of one of the most widely recognized German philosophers of the young generation, Holger Zaborowski, concerning properly developed economic activity. It covers two threads that are closely linked— the meaning of mercy and justice in economic life and the possibility of ultimate self-fulfilment. It is stressed that economical involvement—in line with the classic vision of economy that Zaborowski supports— is not a goal in itself but means to attain a fulfilled and happy life. It is in harmony with justice and it embraces the works of mercy. Merciful love complements the principle of justice present in economic life, applying corrections to its functioning and even going beyond it. Emphasising that he was inspired by the address on mercy delivered by Pope Francis, he presents his independent interpretation of the issue from a philosophical angle. The article brings to focus the fulfilled life in terms of economic activity, which the philosopher implicitly presents as he concentrates on showing the role of mercy in economic life.