Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026

06:50
Sandwich-like Microenvironments to Harness Cell/Material Interactions
Published on: August 4, 2015
Subsidiarity: Restoring a sacred harmony
1Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
The Linacre Quarterly
|April 11, 2017
Summary
The principle of subsidiarity, vital in Catholic teaching and American philosophy, is neglected in US healthcare. Restoring this principle can improve patient stewardship, reduce costs, and protect conscience rights.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Policy
- Philosophy
- Catholic Social Teaching
Background:
- The principle of subsidiarity is foundational to Catholic social teaching and American Founding Fathers' philosophy.
- Its neglect in the US healthcare system compromises human dignity, stewardship, and solidarity.
- Conflicts surrounding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act highlight concerns with conscience protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of ignoring the principle of subsidiarity in US healthcare.
- To advocate for the restoration of subsidiarity in healthcare decision-making.
- To identify potential solutions that align with the principle of subsidiarity.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the principle of subsidiarity.
- Examination of its application and neglect in the US healthcare context.
- Case study review of healthcare models embodying subsidiarity.
Main Results:
- Ignoring subsidiarity leads to increased healthcare costs and patient detachment.
- The current system often sidelines the patient's role as a steward of their own care.
- Models like Zarephath Health Center demonstrate successful application of subsidiarity.
Conclusions:
- A return to the principle of subsidiarity is crucial for effective and ethical healthcare.
- Reconnecting patients as stewards of their healthcare is essential.
- Implementing subsidiarity can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced costs.
Related Concept Videos
Biodiversity and Human Values
Human civilization relies on biodiversity in many ways. Sudden changes in species biodiversity result in environmental changes that can modify weather patterns and therefore human civilizations.
Robbers Cave
During the 1950s, the landmark Robbers Cave experiment demonstrated that when groups must compete with one another, intergroup conflict, hostility, and even violence may result. At the Oklahoman summer camp, two troops of boys—termed the Rattlers and the Eagles—took part in a week-long tournament. During this time, their negativity culminated in derogatory name-calling, fistfights, and even vandalism and destruction of property. However, this work also revealed that such tension could be...
Superposition Theorem
The superposition principle is a fundamental concept stating that in a linear circuit, the voltage across (or current through) an element can be determined by summing the individual contributions of each independent source acting in isolation. When dealing with linear circuits containing multiple independent sources, this principle serves as a valuable tool for analysis. To apply the superposition principle effectively, one should focus on a single independent source at a time while...
Saint-Venant's Principle
The principle of Saint-Venant postulates that the stress distribution within a structural member does not rely on the precise method of load application except in the vicinity of the load application points. Consider a scenario where loads are centrally applied on two plates. In this case, the plates move toward each other without any rotation. This movement causes the member to contract in length and expand in width and thickness. Uniform deformation across all elements and maintaining...
Equity Theory
Equity theory explains how our sense of fairness influences the dynamics of close relationships. Rooted in social psychology, the theory posits that individuals evaluate fairness by comparing the ratio of their contributions to the rewards they receive. Relationship satisfaction is highest when these ratios are perceived as balanced between partners, promoting mutual reciprocity and a sense of justice.Equity vs. Equality in RelationshipsEquity is distinct from equality. Fairness does not...
Healing I: Introduction
Healing is the physiological process by which the body restores the integrity and function of damaged tissues following injury. It involves a coordinated interplay of cellular proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and growth factor signaling. The extent and nature of the tissue damage determine whether healing occurs by resolution, regeneration, or replacement.ResolutionResolution represents the most complete form of healing, occurring when the injury is minimal and tissue...

