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Philosophize This!

Episode #205 ... Why a meritocracy is corrosive to society. (Michael Sandel)

Jul 1, 2024
Michael Sandel explores the dark side of meritocracy, questioning its impact on societal perceptions and rise of populism. He discusses the balance between pride and humility in beliefs, criticizing the flaws of a meritocratic worldview and advocating for valuing practical wisdom over credentials in education and politics.
32:02

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Meritocracy creates societal divisions by valuing credentials over practical wisdom.
  • Michael Sandel advocates for valuing different types of contributions to society and restoring the dignity of work.

Deep dives

Questioning the Meritocracy Ideal

The podcast delves into the concept of a meritocracy and questions the societal benefits of rewarding individuals based on talent and qualifications. Sandell's critique focuses on the unintended consequences of striving for a pure meritocracy, highlighting issues such as the lack of true meritocracy in practice and the negative impact on individuals who face barriers beyond their control. The episode challenges the common belief in meritocracy and explores the complexities of rewarding individuals solely based on perceived merit.

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