Reconsidering Care for a Good Society after the COVID-19 Pandemic : Focusing on the Recovery of Community Principles Based on the Philosophy of Compassion

Modern society has moved beyond growth-oriented economic values, with social values emerging as a new discourse. This paper argues that Robert Bellah’s concept of a ‘good society,’ centered on ‘care based on compassion, mutual concern, and interdependence,’ can be the key to resolving the current care crisis. The study advocates for the restoration of community principles as the core mechanism to achieve this goal. Various communities that once supported us have been dismantled or transformed. Today, the world faces existential threats from global crises such as climate catastrophe and the COVID-19 pandemic, fundamentally stemming from humanity’s endless greed and selfish desires. To overcome these crises, we must move beyond approaches focused solely on economic values and adopt responsible attitudes centered on the common good while pursuing sustainable societies. Communities can be restored through respect for all human beings, compassion-based care for the socially vulnerable, solidarity-grounded cooperation, promotion of public interest, and respect for diversity and equality. A good society is one where care, rooted in compassion, becomes central to human relationships. Community restoration is possible through mutual understanding, trust, and responsibility. Traditionally, religion has contributed significantly to enhancing social values by relieving the poor and caring for the marginalized. In this era of transition, the role of religion in building a ‘good society’ is more important than ever. It is time for all members of society to realize a good society based on compassion.