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This week's debate pits michael sandel and adrian woolridge against each other. Is meritocracy worth saving, or is it an idea that perpetuates a myth of a level playing field? Who actually benefits from this system? To some sget unfairly blamed for their apparent failure to rise,. Others get to use it and to get and keep a grip on power. Some of the ideas we're going to be exploring. And in a few moments, we will have the result of the first vote, which you made just a moment ago, and it's popped up.

Meritocracy has long been an article of faith in the modern Western world. Get an education, work hard and the rewards of success will be yours, regardless of class, privilege or wealth. But recently meritocracy has come under attack, with the charge led by Michael Sandel, the Harvard philosopher whose public debates on how we define the common good have won him a global following. But not everyone agrees. Taking issue with much of Sandel’s arguments is Adrian Wooldridge, the political editor at The Economist. In this week's debate they argue whether we need more or less meritocracy in society. The host is BBC broadcaster Ritula Shah. For Michael Sandel's new bool click here: https://www.primrosehillbooks.com/product/the-tyranny-of-merit-whats-become-of-the-common-good-michael-j-sandel-pb/ For Adrian Wooldridge's new book click here: https://www.primrosehillbooks.com/product/the-aristocracy-of-talent-how-meritocracy-made-the-modern-world-adrian-wooldridge/

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