What Are You Worth in America? (with Michael Sandel)
Feb 20, 2025
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Michael Sandel, a Harvard political philosophy professor renowned for his work on ethics and democracy, shares his insights on the role of education in promoting civil discourse. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse community values and navigating moral disagreements in politics. Sandel also discusses the challenges of maintaining respectful public conversations, particularly in light of social media's influence. He highlights the significance of individual voices in democracy and reflects on the need for inclusive discussions about contentious moral issues.
Michael Sandel highlights the importance of individuals feeling represented in governance to sustain trust in democratic ideals and processes.
He critiques the mistaken belief that moral discussions can be excluded from politics, advocating for inclusive dialogue to enrich civic engagement.
Sandel calls for enhancing civic education in higher institutions to encourage open discourse and prepare students for democratic participation.
Deep dives
The Nature of Democracy and Human Aspiration
Michael Sandel emphasizes that there is a deep human desire for individuals to have a say in their governance, suggesting that democracy or self-rule aligns with this aspiration. He argues that many people currently feel disenfranchised and believe their voices are not heard, leading to widespread grievances. These sentiments can erode trust in democratic processes and create conditions ripe for manipulation by those who exploit these feelings. Thus, fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring everyone feels represented in political discussions are vital for the survival of democratic ideals.
Hubris and the Misinterpretation of History
Sandel critiques the notion that the moral universe inevitably bends toward democracy, labeling this assumption as hubristic among liberal and progressive leaders. He reflects on the period after the Cold War when many believed that democratic capitalism was the only viable system, hinting at a triumphalism that ignored the underlying discontent brewing within societies. This misreading of history has led to the 'bitter fruits' of disillusionment and division that we see today. He contends that history is not predetermined but rather contingent, and that necessary vigilance is required to prevent democratic backsliding.
The Discourse on Morality in Politics
Sandel argues that moral discussions should not be removed from political discourse but rather integrated into it to enable a healthier democratic dialogue. He rejects the idea that citizens should leave their moral beliefs at the door when engaging in public debate, advocating for a more inclusive dialogue that accommodates diverse viewpoints, including religious and secular perspectives. This integration of moral conversation can help address fundamental issues without resorting to coercion or intolerance, fostering a civic community that can engage with dissent respectfully. He believes that avoiding moral discussions has led to an outsourcing of our moral judgments, particularly to market dynamics, which has created a moral vacuum in society.
The Challenge of Divisive Issues and Public Debate
In discussions about hot-button issues like abortion, Sandel critiques the tendency to sidestep underlying moral questions in favor of perceived neutrality. He posits that genuine public debate requires addressing these contentious moral questions directly rather than pretending they do not exist. Through real engagement, citizens can explore the moral fabric influencing policy decisions and come to more nuanced compromises. By circumventing these tough discussions, society risks fostering further division and misunderstanding, hindering the potential for progress and mutual understanding.
Reclaiming Civic Education for Democratic Engagement
Sandel advocates for reinvigorating civic education within higher education to better equip students for engaging in meaningful public discourse. He stresses the importance of classrooms serving as spaces for rigorous debate where differing views can be expressed and discussed openly. Reflecting on recent trends, he notes that many students feel uncomfortable sharing their opinions on controversial topics, which stifles democratic engagement. By promoting a culture of respectful discourse and critical reasoning, educational institutions can better prepare future citizens to navigate the complexities of a pluralistic society.
Michael Sandel is a professor of political philosophy at Harvard University. He’s also the author of several publications, including his latest, Equality: What It Means and Why It Matters. Sandel joins Preet to discuss what human nature can tell us about our government, how higher education can foster free expression, and dealing with moral disagreements in our politics.
Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website.
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