Intelligence Squared Debate: Michael Sandel vs Adrian Wooldridge on Meritocracy
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Sep 10, 2021 
Michael Sandel, a Harvard professor known for his insights on political philosophy, squares off against Adrian Wooldridge, a political editor at The Economist and meritocracy expert. They delve into the complexities of meritocracy, questioning if true success is attainable in an unequal society. Discussing the ethics of standardized testing and its historical ties to eugenics, they uncover how inherited advantages skew results. The debate culminates in a call for alternative models of opportunity, emphasizing fairness and the reimagining of social justice post-pandemic.
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Meritocracy as an Ethic
- Meritocracy is not simply about competence or skills.
- It's an ethic of earning and deserving, allocating rewards based on perceived merit.
The Moral Argument for Meritocracy
- The moral argument for meritocracy arises from the unfairness of hereditary systems where birth determines life prospects.
- Meritocracy claims to solve this by opening careers to talents, assuming equal chances.
The Role of Family Background
- Family background significantly impacts meritocratic competition, even with equal schooling.
- Students from affluent families are vastly overrepresented in elite universities.
