Essential Definitions: Social, Philosophical, and Religious Concepts

Atheism

A doctrine which, in theory or attitude, and in practice, denies the existence of God. It is important to distinguish atheism, which asserts a positive non-existence of God, from indifferentism, agnosticism, and skepticism.

Feign

To have the appearance (of a certain thing, a certain age, etc.). Historically, in religions, there have always been people or doctrines that feigned or appeared to be something else.

Science

A set of knowledge and activities designed to achieve it, characterized formally by intersubjectivity, and practically by the ability to make accurate predictions about a part of reality.

Tarraconense Council

A document that reflects on the needs of the poorest and marginalized, and calls upon Christians to renew their commitment in specific fields of social action.

Dignity

In ecclesiastical contexts, refers to the chapters in cathedrals and collegiate churches, each holding higher offices, such as the Dean, the Archpriest, or the Archdeacon.

Discrimination

Within a group, the act of treating members as inferior due to social, religious, linguistic, political, or other reasons.

Dialogue

A form of discourse characterized by the exchange of ideas, distinguished from mere exposure or simple chat, and typically involving two subjects.

Social Doctrine of the Church

Also known as Christian Social Doctrine, it is a set of rules and principles relating to the social, political, and economic aspects of humanity, based on the Gospel and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (CSDC) and the Catholic Catechism define it as "a renewed body of doctrine, which was articulated as the Church..."

Human Rights

Those freedoms, powers, institutions, or basic reivindications that correspond to every person simply by virtue of their human condition, to guarantee a decent life.

Empiricism

A set of philosophical doctrines that deny the possibility of any kind of knowledge that comes from experience, consisting of data from sensory perception. Ideas and concepts are ultimately derived from the mind's experience, and in this sense, from a philosophical and gnoseological standpoint, it opposes empiricism, aligning with rationalism.