Natural Law and the Principle of Subsidiarity

The principle of subsidiarity is core principle of modern Catholic social teaching. Typically it is understood as a check on totalitarian attempts by centralized organizations to squelch the functions of individuals and smaller associations. At least one postliberal has tried to renew a more authoritarian interpretation of the principle that emphasizes the right of higher orders of association to take the functions of individuals and lower associations, flipping the principle on its head. This line of interpretation draws from the Catholic Austro-fascist theorist Johannes Messner, an advisor to the Austrian dictator Englebert Dollfuss. But an earlier understanding of the principle, exemplified in the writings of Heinrich Pesch, reads more in line with the emphases of the post-conciliar Church. Moreover, the original inspiration for the principle is in the writings of the 19th century Italian Jesuit Luigi Taparelli, particularly what he says about a hypotactical right (diritto ipotattico). More importantly, the emphasis on the principle of subsidiarity as a check on totalitarian and authoritarian tendencies, an emphasis on respect for the rights of individuals and smaller associations, is more satisfying philosophically insofar as it serves important political ethical/philosophical ends that are based in considerations of both justice and political prudence.