Abstract (EN)

This paper presents the other contributions to this issue. Each of them addresses a different modes through which the idea of solidarity may materialize. Until the first half of the 19th century, the term of “solidarity” used to mean a legal guarantee or commitment to share the risks of an enterprise. Since then, it has taken a new meaning : voluntary interdependence expressing fraternity and care for the other. The republican, associationist, socialist and protestant circles adopted this new meaning rather early on as, in their perspective simultaneously the community and the human person are recognized. Until the pontificate of John-Paul II, the Catholic Church preferred to solidarity the notion of charity. With John-Paul II solidarity became an official part of Catholic social doctrine. Manifestations of solidarity are many, at different levels and in a variety of forms. Their study shows the multiple facets and the complexity of solidarity. When solidarity is confused (or amalgamated) with protection, namely State protection, or even with social business, it is based on protection and domination. Such situations have little in common with the true solidarity based on reciprocity.