Desenvolvimento, democracia e justiça social no pensamento de Dom Helder Camara (1931-1985)

Abstract

This thesis explores the concepts of development, democracy and social justice that are fundamental in the thought of Archbishop Helder Camara. His concept of development is rooted in the economic thinking of Louis-Joseph Lebret, for whom development must be an “integral development”, that is, “the development of the whole man and of all men”. For Archbishop Helder, in particular, “integral development” constitutes a fundamental condition for the expansion of citizenship rights and the promotion of sovereignty. Without embarking on theoretical discussions about “models of democracy”, Dom Helder believes that democracy is the best form of government but, above all, the “political space” by excellence to promote wide participation. In fact, Social Justice, in both the national and international arena, constitutes the ultimate horizon of possibility for “integral development”.