Moments of Mutuality

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How can the ongoing suffering of impoverished street children in affluent European Union cities be effectively addressed? This philosophical essay argues that a key solution lies in redefining social injustice not merely as a lack of solidarity, but as a failure to envision and act upon mutualities. Originally presented in 2011 at the Institute of European Studies of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, the essay examines the dire circumstances of street children in Paris, focusing on their poor health, inadequate housing, insufficient food, and lack of education. While contemporary philosophical insights from thinkers like J. Rawls, A. Sen, R. Dworkin, and J. Habermas offer valuable perspectives on social justice violations, they ultimately fall short in addressing these extreme conditions. However, their ideas can contribute to a redefined understanding of social justice in the European Union, emphasizing the importance of fairness, understanding, respect, and articulacy as essential components of mutualization. This reflection calls for a deeper engagement with the ethical implications of poverty and the responsibilities of society towards its most vulnerable members.