Book description
Is killing sometimes morally required? Is the free market fair? It is
sometimes wrong to tell the truth? What is justice, and what does it
mean?
These and other questions are at the heart of Michael Sandel's
Justice. Considering the role of justice in our society and our
lives, he reveals how an understanding of philosophy can help to make
sense of politics, religion, morality - and our own convictions.
Breaking down hotly contested issues, from abortion, euthanasia and
same-sex marriage, to patriotism, dissent and affirmative action,
Sandel shows how the biggest questions in our civiv life can be broken
down and illuminated through reasoned debate. Justice promises
to take readers - of all ages and political persuasions - on an
exhilarating journey to confront controversies in a fresh and
enlightening way.
Sandel is here less advocate than teacher, and as a teacher he has
obvious gifts. His book should appeal to anyone who likes to argue
political rights and wrongs, but is not necessarily up on the lore and
language of contemporary philosophy . . . Like Barack Obama . . . Mr
Sandel knows how to appeal to his readers? better natures Michael
Sandel is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government at the
University of Harvard. Sandel's legendary 'Justice' course is one of the
most popular and influential at Harvard with up to a thousand students
enrolling every year. In 2007, Harvard made Sandel's course available to
alumni around the world through webstreaming and podcasting. Over 5,000
participants signed up for "Justice Online," and Harvard Clubs
from Mexico to Australia organized local discussion groups in connection
with the course. Michael Sandel has lectured widely in Europe, China,
India, Australia and North America. In May 2007 he delivered a series of
lectures at major universities in China and he has been a visiting
professor at the Sorbonne, Paris. He is a member of the American Academy
of Arts and Sciences and the Council on Foreign Relations. Sandel is the
author of many books and has previously written for the
Atlantic Monthly
, the
New Republic
and the
New York Times
. He will be delivering the 2009 Reith Lectures for the BBC.
