Camus, Solidarity, and Sakop: Initial Musings

In this piece, I aim to explore the ideas of Albert Camus on solidarity, connecting them to the Filipino notion of sakop as articulated and promoted by Fr. Leonardo Mercado, SVD. While not comparing the two, I will show that, through this exploration, both the notions of sakop and the human solidarity of Camus consider the other human: that is, the other is affirmed and recognized, leading to a concern for him or her. I shall do this by discoursing the following: first, his ideas on solitary rebellion that leads to solidarity; second, Mercado’s articulation of the notion of sakop; and third, a reflection on the possible contributions of, and connections between, Camus’ solidarity and the notion of sakop.