About
Michael Sandel is a political philosopher at Harvard University, best known for his undergraduate course “Justice” — one of the most popular courses in Harvard’s history, with over 15,000 students having taken it.
He’s a leading voice in communitarian philosophy, arguing against both utilitarian and libertarian approaches to justice, and questioning whether markets belong in every sphere of life.
Key Ideas
- Communitarianism: Justice isn’t just about rights or utility — it requires shared values and civic engagement
- Limits of Markets: Markets are tools, not values — some things shouldn’t be bought and sold
- Moral Engagement: Public discourse should engage with moral and spiritual questions, not avoid them
Notable Works
- Justice - What’s The Right Thing To Do? — Harvard course (book and video series)
- What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets (2012)
- The Tyranny of Merit (2020)
- Liberalism and the Limits of Justice (1982)
Why He Matters
Sandel makes philosophy accessible and shows why it matters for everyday decisions — from market regulation to military service to college admissions. He demonstrates that behind every policy debate is a philosophical argument about what we value.