Finally, the idea of equality is seen by many to be a component of justice; some people may make an exception for the sake of expediency, however. Download PDF. Justice must be understood beyond what is the right way to distribute things, it is also about the right way to value things.Sandel concludes with four possible themes for the "new politics of the common good", which he hoped at the Aristotle (384 -322 BC) Citizenship, Sacrifice and Service: "If a just society requires a strong sense of community, it must find a way to cultivate in citizens a concern for the whole, a … Lecture Thirteen: Professor Sandel asks students—was this policy an example of free-market exchange? To register for the 2015 course, visit https://www.edx.org/course/justice-harvardx-er22-1x-0. And if that’s the case, is it possible to argue or to reason about the nature of the good life? Students discuss the issue of affirmative action and college admissions. Immanuel Kant says that in so far as our actions have moral worth, what confers moral worth is precisely our capacity to rise above self-interest and inclination and to act out of duty. “Justice,” the book, is based on a course Sandel teaches at Harvard, which is one of the most popular classes on campus and has been made into a … Sandel tests this theory by showing the class three video clips—from The Simpsons, the reality show Fear Factor and Shakespeare’s Hamlet—then asks students to debate which of the three experiences qualifies as the “highest” pleasure. Then and only then, Rawls argues, could a governing body agree upon truly fair principles of justice. And isn’t wealth often achieved through sheer luck or family fortune? Episode 04: This Land is My Land / Consenting Adults Lecture Eight: But what of effort—the individual who strives harder and longer to succeed—how should his/her “effort” be valued? written by Michael J. Sandel which was published in 2005– . Fit, Episode 11: The Claims of Community / Where Our Loyalty Lies, Episode 12: Debating Same-sex Marriage / The Good Life. Virtue is only something we can acquire by practising, by exercising. Mill says that some help may come from looking at the history of the word. Is the argument in favor of promoting diversity a valid one? What role does patriotism play? Aristotles theory of justice leads to a contemporary debate about golf. He then asks us to examine our answers in the light of new scenarios. John Rawls applied his “veil of ignorance” theory to social and economic equality issues, as well as fair governance. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of “Justice” by Michael J. Sandel. And when we act out of duty (doing something because it is right) only then do our actions have moral worth. However, it is not generally necessary to be impartial; for example, one doesn't have to be impartial in the selection of friends. Using the example of same-sex marriage, students debate whether it is possible to detach moral permissibility of sexuality from the end or purpose of marriage. Lecture Twenty: Mill, another Utilitarian philosopher, who argues that all human experience can be quantifiable, and that some kinds of pleasures are more desirable and more valuable than others. In the next section Mill will defend rights, and do so under a utilitarian framework. Episode 05: Hired Guns? Episode 08: What’s a Fair Start? In cases of justice, the person who has been wronged has had his or her moral right impinged upon; it is thus his or her moral right to seek restitution. For Mill, a right means that a person has a valid claim that society to protect him against any violation. Using this story and others, Sandel explains Kant’s test for determining whether an action is morally right: when making a decision, imagine if the moral principle behind your actions became a universal law that everyone had to live by. by Michael Sandel. This course aims to help viewers become more critically minded thinkers about the moral decisions we all face in our everyday lives. But we do choose what we think is the best for us. Government shouldn’t have the power to enact laws that protect people from themselves (seat belt laws), to enact laws that force a moral value on society, or enact laws that redistribute income from the rich to the poor. Episode 04: This Land is My Land / Consenting Adults, Episode 05: Hired Guns? Mill argues that if society values the higher pleasures, and values justice, then society as a whole will be better off in the long run. Sandel tells the true story of a 13-year old boy who won a spelling bee contest, but then admitted to the judges that he had, in fact, misspelled the final word. Mill also recognizes, however, that the idea of justice is often applied to areas about which we would not want legislation: for example, we always think it right that unjust acts be punished, even if we recognize that it would be inexpedient for courts to acts as punishers in particular cases. And those citizens who contribute most to the purpose of the community are the ones who should be most rewarded. Michael Sandel concludes his lecture series by making the point that we, as individuals, may never agree on many moral philosophical issues. Jeremy Bentham’s late 18th century Utilitarian theory—summed up as “the greatest good for the greatest number”—is often used today under the name of “cost-benefit analysis.” Sandel presents some contemporary examples where corporations used this theory—which required assigning a dollar value on human lives—to make important business decisions. However, once we agree to enter into society, we are consenting to being governed by a system of laws. Episode 10: The Good Citizen / Freedom vs. The telos or goal of the state and political community is the good life. Lecture Seventeen: Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? Using three approaches to justice-maximizing welfare, respecting freedom and promoting virtue-the author asks readers to ponder the meaning of the good life, the purpose of politics, how laws … Sandel introduces J.S. Lecture Seven: Is it necessary to reason about the good life in order to decide what is just and what rights people have? Would that principle, as a universal law, benefit everyone? Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?, based on a famous course that Sandel teaches, offers a discussion of what Sandel regards as the three main competing views of justice. Episode 09: Arguing Affirmative Action / What’s the Purpose? Episode 03: Freedom to Choose / Who Owns Me? Here Mill responds to the claim that utilitarianism is opposed to justice. Sandel introduces the modern philosopher John Rawls and his theory of a “hypothetical contract”. However, this concept has exceptions. Mill says that throughout history, one of the biggest barriers to the acceptance of utility has been that it does not allow for a theory of justice. A short summary of this paper. We find Antigone and Socrates in a similar dilemma as we read about them. From Mill's perspective, justice is not an abstract concept so much as it is a sentiment about morality that many people share. 89% (27) Pages: 5 year: 2016/2017. Sandel uses the examples of Bill Gates and Michael Jordan to explain Nozick’s theory that redistributive taxation is a form of forced labor. Or is it as equal, and as arbitrary, as favoring a star athlete? Students discuss other objections to Aristotle’s theories and debate whether his philosophy limits the freedom of individuals. To use Rawls’ phrase, ‘the right is prior to the good’ – in other words, the demands of justice have nothing to do with what people value. It’s the kind of thing we can only learn by doing. Episode 03: Freedom to Choose / Who Owns Me? Sandel compares the salary of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor ($200,000) with the salary of Judge Judy ($25 million). In cases of justice, the person who has been wronged has had his or her moral right impinged upon; it is thus his or her moral right to seek restitution. Lecture Eighteen: Sandel introduces Aristotle’s theory of justice which, simply put, is giving people what they are due, what they deserve. Lecture Fourteen: The ISBN of the book is 9780141041339 or 0141041331. Lecture Nine: Lecture Four: This summary is written by students who study efficient with the Study Tool of Study 1 Sandel: Justice whats the right thing to do. Professor Sandel leads a discussion about the arguments for and against our obligations of solidarity and membership in the smaller community of family and the larger community of the society at large. CHECK IT OUT. by Michael J. Sandel Here is a quick description and cover image of book Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? 2. Aristotle’s theory of justice leads to a contemporary debate about golf, specifically “the purpose” of golf. Mill begins by trying to pin down the meaning of justice, by coming up with a list of those things that are commonly classified as just or unjust. He does that in a very effective way by forcing the reader to face real life situations in which he is suppose to decide what the right thing to do is. Sandel explains how John Rawls believes that personal “success” is more often a function of arbitrary issues for which we can claim no credit:luck, genetic good fortune, positive family circumstances. Sandel then takes the debate a step further, using the famous legal case of “Baby M”, which raised the question of “who owns a baby”? Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. A second form of injustice comes from depriving someone of something he has a moral right to possess. Students debate whether the PGA was wrong in not allowing a disabled golfer, Casey Martin, to use a golf cart during professional tournaments. Episode 12: Debating Same-sex Marriage / The Good Life Is today’s voluntary army really voluntary, given that many recruits come from a disproportionately lower economic background? Lecture Five: T he first thing that must be said about Michael Sandel’s book, Justice, is that it is a remarkable educational achievement.The book is a distillation of a course Sandel has taught at Harvard for thirty years—one of the most popular courses ever taught at the college. This paper. Rather, it is our capacity to reason and choose freely that makes us unique, that sets us apart from mere animals. We all must have heard about the famous play Antigone by Sophocles and the Apology by Plato. Using various scenarios, students debate whether and when loyalty outweighs duty. He asks, if every citizen had to weigh in on the issue of redistributive taxation—without knowing whether they would end up as one of the poor or one of the wealthy members of society—wouldn’t most of us prefer to eliminate our financial risks and agree to an equal distribution of wealth? And, as long as government doesn’t target a particular group for taxation—if it isn’t arbitrary—then taxation isn’t a violation of the fundamental rights of individuals. Lecture Sixteen: Michael Sandel offers an exemplary analysis of why morality is rarely a private matter, says Jonathan Rée. Justice Quotes by Michael J. Sandel. For him, it’s a matter of fitting a person’s virtues with their appropriate roles. Episode 07: A Lesson in Lying / A Deal is a Deal Lecture Ten: Libertarians believe the ideal state is a society with minimal governmental interference. Mary Beth Whitehead signed a contract with a New Jersey couple in the mid-eighties, agreeing to be their surrogate mother, in exchange for a large fee. And on the other hand, it is a worthwhile opportunity for all of us to better appreciate the values of others. But how do we know the purpose of a community or a practice? The first of these takes welfare to be the criterion of justice. This leads to a discussion of “misleading truths”–and the example of how President Clinton used precise language to deny having sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky, without outright lying to the public. If you had to choose between killing one person or five, what would you do? And so, Locke argues, even though government is charged with looking after one’s individual rights, it is the majority that defines those rights. Related Studylists. contents dedication 1. doing the right thing 2. the greatest happiness principle / utilitarianism 3. do we own ourselves? Justice was initially a Harvard course but due to its popularity as one of the most highly attended in Harvard's history, Sandel decided to give us a book where all the wisdom he imparted on the course, could be given by this medium as well. Episode 06: Mind Your Motive / The Supreme Principle of Morality Thus, moral obligation in general comes from the idea of duty, the idea that a person may rightly be compelled to do something. To answer this, we must ascertain what the distinguishing quality of justice is, if there is such a quality. Locke argues that in the “state of nature”, before any political structure has been established, every human has certain natural rights to life, liberty—and property. Download Full PDF Package. This leads to a discussion of the fairness of pay differentials in today’s society. / What Do We Deserve? READ PAPER. The Case for Cannibalism. Libertarian philosopher Robert Nozick makes the case that taxing the wealthy—to pay for housing, health care, and education for the poor—is a form of coercion. In this 12-part series, Sandel challenges us with difficult moral dilemmas and asks our opinion about the right thing to do. In … justice what’s the right thing to do? / What Do We Deserve? Imagine if they were all behind a “veil of ignorance”–if their individual identities were temporary unknown to them (their race, class, personal interests) and they had to agree on a set of laws together. This leads to a classroom debate about the contemporary questions surrounding war and conscription. How does John Locke square away the conflict between 1) his belief that individuals have an unalienable right to life, liberty, and property and 2) that government—through majority rule—can tax individuals without their consent? They both face an ethical tragedy where they don’t know what the right thing to do is but they still chose what’s best for them. And what are the obligations of citizenship? by Michael Sandel. His rigorous and sophisticated philosophy gives Christians a confident footing to begin answering the questions justice poses today. 37 Full PDFs related to this paper. What’s the right thing to do? Immanuel Kant’s stringent theory of morality allows for no exceptions; he believed that telling a lie, even a white lie, is a violation of one’s own dignity. The idea of a penal sanction enters into any kind of wrong; in fact, something is considered wrong only when it is thought that the person should be punished either by law, opinion, or one's own conscience. Democracy. Is there a civic duty to serve one’s country? Justice is one of the most popular courses in Harvard University’s history. Now this is where market and morals come into play. What’s the Right Thing to Do? Brief Summary of Book: Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? While people vary on whether bad laws can be justly disobeyed, all people agree that laws can be unjust. Students debate these questions with a further discussion about government’s role in deciding the purpose of marriage. Download. Or was it a form of coercion, because the lower class surely had more of a financial incentive to serve? Episode 10: The Good Citizen / Freedom vs. Chapter 5: Of the Connection between Justice and Utility (Part 1), Chapter 4: Of what sort of Proof the Principle of Utility is Susceptible, Chapter 5: Of the Connection between Justice and Utility (Part 2), Chapter 2: What Utilitarianism Is (Part 1), Chapter 2: What Utilitarianism Is (Part 2), Chapter 3: Of the Ultimate Sanction of the Principle of Utility. In this 12-part series, Sandel challenges us with difficult moral dilemmas and asks our opinion about the right thing to do. Lecture Nineteen: michael j. sandel farrar, straus and giroux new york. The author (s) of the book is/are Michael J Sandel. The Moral Side of Murder. Episode 02: Putting a Price Tag on Life / How to Measure Pleasure Nevertheless, people do see justice as a unified concept, and do feel a sentiment of justice regardless of whether they understand its foundation. Abstract: "More than exhilarating; exciting in its ability to persuade this student/reader, time and again, that the principle now being invoked—on this page, in this chapter—is the one to deliver the sufficiently inclusive guide to the making of a decent life." Morality is a matter of having the right attitude, or acting for the right … Mill has a different perspective on this issue, however. John Locke is both a supporter and detractor from the theory of Libertarianism. According to Michael Sandel, in his book, Justice: What 's the Right Thing to Do, an important concept of implementing justice is giving all individuals what they deserve. The result is often surprising, revealing that important moral questions are never black and white. Florida residents were outraged that anyone would “try to capitalize on other people’s hardship and misery,” but economists pointed out that prices are determined by supply and demand in a market society (2-3). In most languages, the word's origin came from either positive law or authoritative custom. Professor Sandel raises two questions. Justice corresponds with the idea of perfect obligation: it involves the idea of a personal right. Book Summary - Justice Chapter 3 - The Richest 1 Percent Of Americans Sandel Chapter 6 - Summary Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? Book Summary - Justice Chapter 3 - The Richest 1 Percent Of Americans. Lecture Fifteen: How does it size up against the argument that a student’s efforts and achievements should carry more weight? In this lecture, a group of students (“Team Libertarianism”) are asked to defend the objections against Libertarianism. If principles of justice depend on the moral or intrinsic worth of the ends that rights serve, how does society deal with the fact that people hold different ideas and conceptions of what is good? The Greeks and Romans realized that there could be bad laws, and thus justice came to be associated only to those laws that ought to exist, including those that should exist but do not. Don’t the poor need and deserve the social services they receive? First, it is considered unjust to deprive someone of his legal rights. Aristotle argues that when considering issues of distribution, one must consider the goal, the end, the purpose of what is being distributed. Thus, the most primitive element of justice is the idea of conformity to law. Sandel uses the example of a shopkeeper who passes up the chance to shortchange a customer only because he worries it would hurt his business. Sandel introduces the principles of Utilitarian philosopher, Jeremy Bentham, with a famous 19th century law case involving a shipwrecked crew of four. He summarizes libertarianism, the meritocratic system, and the egalitarian theory. Professor Sandel recaps the three different theories raised so far, concerning how income, wealth, and opportunities in life should be distributed. Lecture One: This leads to an introduction to the communitarian view. This summary is written by students who study efficient with the Study Tool of Study Smart With Chris. Chapter 1 Summary: “Doing the Right Thing” Sandel opens with stories of price gouging in the wake of a 2004 hurricane. What counts as just is what leads to the best consequences. Consequences are not all we should care about, morally speaking; certain duties and right should command our respect, for reasons independent of the social consequences. Third, it is considered just that a person receive what he "deserves," and unjust that he obtain something he doesn't deserve; people are thought to deserve good things if they have done right, and evil things if they have done wrong. Ch. Episode 01: The Moral Side of Murder / The Case for Cannibalism Lecture 2. His theory is put to the test with a hypothetical case. / For Sale: Motherhood Ultimately, he argues that they are united by the concept of rights, a notion he introduces in his claims about perfect and imperfect obligations. John Locke on the issue of taxation and consent. According to Kant, it's common sense that you should always do your duty. The result is often surprising, revealing that important moral questions are never black and white. Many utilitarians dismiss the idea of rights as nonsense, and many debates about utilitarianism center around whether rights exist. is a 2009 book on political philosophy by Michael J. Sandel. Moreover, common sense tells you to do the right thing just because it's the right thing and not for some other reason. Kant believes we, as individuals, are sacred and the bearer of rights, but not because we own ourselves. The case leads to a debate among students about the moral validity of the Utilitarian theory of maximizing overall happiness—often summed up with the slogan “the greatest good for the greatest number.”. Episode 01: The Moral Side of Murder / The Case for Cannibalism, Episode 02: Putting a Price Tag on Life / How to Measure Pleasure. It exists because people believe it exists, and it means what they believe it to mean. Lecture Twenty-Two: If your friend was hiding inside your home, and a killer knocked on your door asking where he was, what could you say to him–without lying–that would also save the life of your friend? Lecture 1. In this chapter, then, Mill will determine whether the justice or injustice of an action is something intrinsic and distinct from questions of utility. However, he argues, on the one hand the debate about these issues is unavoidable. Thus, in defining justice Mill looks to what other people mean by the term. The assumptions behind our moral reasoning are often contradictory, and the question of what is right and what is wrong is not always black and white. Lecture Twenty-One: At this point, Mill observes that while this discussion has given a true account of the origin and development of justice, it does not show a distinction from other forms of morality. Justice Summary and Study Guide. PBS International opens the door to this classroom that has captivated more than 14,000 students. by Michael Sandel. But then Sandel presents three similar moral conundrums—each one artfully designed to make the decision increasingly complex. Lecture Twenty-Two: Fit Michael J. Sandel discusses how there are three different approaches to justice: welfare, virtue, and freedom. This is the summary of the book "Justice : what's the right thing to do?". Morality of an action depends solely on the consequences it brings about; the right thing to do is whatever will produce the best state of affairs, all things considered. / For Sale: Motherhood, Episode 06: Mind Your Motive / The Supreme Principle of Morality, Episode 07: A Lesson in Lying / A Deal is a Deal. Concepts of justice may differ based on your society 's practices, beliefs, and feelings. Justice What S The Right Thing To Do. Rawls argues that the only way to achieve the most just and fair principles of governance is if all legislators came to the bargaining table in a position of equality. During the Civil War, men were conscripted to fight in the war—but draftees were allowed to pay hired substitutes to fight in their place. The judge that was honoring the case had to decide whether enforcing the contract would be the right thing to do. legal philosophy A. CHECK IT OUT. for kiku, with love. Justice corresponds with the idea of perfect obligation: it involves the idea of a personal right. 1 Doing the right thing. Claire ’s quest to win justice for Ill ’s betrayal propels the plot of The Visit, and she ultimately succeeds in taking Ill’s life and reputation as punishment for his wrongs.In many stories that depict a person avenging past wrongs, the ultimate verdict is seen to vindicate justice, truth, and morality. Doesn’t that amount to taking an individual’s property without his/her consent? That wouldn’t be considered a moral action, according to Kant, because he wasn’t doing the right thing …for the right reason. Sandel describes bizarre presents examples of the modern-day “business” of sperm and egg donation. This section is mostly descriptive, as Mill writes about the definition of justice and its historical origins. Rawls rejects teleological accounts of justice, because he says that teleological theories of justice threaten the equal rights of citizens. Justice is the legal or philosophical theory by which fairness is administered. Sorting out these contradictions sharpens our own moral convictions and gives us the moral clarity to better understand the opposing views we confront in a democracy. A fourth form of injustice is to violate an agreement with someone or disappoint expectations that one knowingly nurtured. Lecture Six: As individuals, how do we weigh our obligations to family against our obligations to community and to our country? The limitation on the scope of the state's right to punish in particular cases has to do with practical concerns about extending the state's power, not with a sense that the person should not be punished. Saša Rađenović. Therefore, law cannot be the ultimate standard of justice. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. Is it “just” for schools to consider race and ethnicity as a factor in admissions? Part 2 Freedom vs. Markets & Morals ... “We need to rediscover the lost art of democratic argument.” –Michael Sandel. Does it violate individual rights? Perfect obligations are those that a person may demand of another. Fifth, it is considered unjust to show favoritism and preference in inappropriate circumstances. Lecture Eleven: Lecture Three: Professor Sandel introduces Immanuel Kant—one of the most challenging and difficult thinkers in his course. Watch the Justice Course. And if not, why not? Locke’s answer to that is that we are giving our “implied consent” to taxation laws, by living in society, therefore taxation is legitimate. Professor Sandel applies the issue of free-market exchange to a contemporary and controversial new area: reproductive rights. Imperfect obligations are those that no one person has the right to require of another. CHECK IT OUT. It is significant that Mill does not present his own theory about what justice requires. Students discuss the morality of selling human life, the legal issues surrounding consent and contracts, and the power of maternal rights. Nearly one thousand students pack Harvard’s historic Sanders Theatre to hear Professor Michael Sandel talk about justice, equality, democracy, and citizenship. Of course a deal is deal, two adults had formed a voluntary agreement that offered benefits to both parties. This section is the first time that Mill spends any time writing about rights. In examining this it is necessary to determine whether a sense of justice exists in itself, or is derivative and formed by a combination of other feelings; is this sense explicable by our emotional make-up, or is it a "special provision of nature"?