Michael Sandel
Michael Sandel teaches political philosophy at Harvard University. His books--on justice, democracy, ethics, markets, and meritocracy--have been translated into more than 30 languages. He has been described as “a rock star moralist” (Newsweek) and “the world’s most influential living philosopher.” (New Statesman) He was recently awarded the prestigious Berggruen Prize in Philosophy and Culture, cited for seeking, throughout his career, to “reinvigorate political discourse and renew civic life by imbuing both with morality and virtue.”
Sandel’s recent book, The Tyranny of Merit: Can We Find the Common Good?, seeks a way beyond the polarized politics of our time. A new edition of his classic book Democracy’s Discontent has been described as “essential--and ultimately hopeful--reading for all those who wonder if our democratic experiment will survive in the twenty-first century.” His other books include Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?; What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Market; and The Case Against Perfection: Ethics in the Age of Genetic Engineering.
Sandel’s legendary course “Justice” is freely available online and has been viewed by tens of millions of people, including in China, where he was named the “most influential foreign figure of the year.” (China Newsweek) His BBC series “The Global Philosopher” explores the ethical issues lying behind the headlines with participants from around the world.
Sandel’s lectures have packed such venues as St. Paul’s Cathedral (London), the Sydney Opera House (Australia), the Delacorte Theater in New York’s Central Park, and an outdoor stadium in Seoul (S. Korea), where 14,000 came to hear him speak.
