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Justice
Book

Justice

What's the Right Thing to Do?

Michael J. Sandel
FSG, 2010

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative

Recommendation

“The way things are does not determine the way they ought to be.” So writes Harvard government and political philosophy professor Michael J. Sandel in this all-encompassing tour through the social, economic and political issues that preoccupy modern society. Seeking to define justice in a just society, Sandel forays into affirmative action, paid militaries, infant surrogacy, free markets and even cannibalism. His reviews of classical and modern philosophies, rightly intended to guide the reader through his exposition, slow down what is otherwise an informative, illuminating and entertaining book. Sandel argues for a “politics of moral engagement” that brings all citizens together in a quest for a just society. getAbstract highly recommends this book to free marketers, libertarians, utilitarians and people of all philosophical and political stripes.

Take-Aways

  • To assure justice, a civilization must decide what is fair, moral and just.
  • Three social principles underscore justice: “welfare, freedom and virtue.”
  • People further their welfare through increasing their prosperity and happiness.

About the Author

Michael J. Sandel is a professor of government at Harvard University, where he teaches political philosophy.

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