In this compelling dialogue, two of the world’s most influential thinkers reflect on the value of equality and debate what citizens and governments should do to narrow the gaps that separate us. Ranging across economics, philosophy, history, and current affairs, Thomas Piketty and Michael Sandel consider how far we have come in achieving greater equality. At the same time, they confront head-on the extreme divides that remain in wealth, income, power, and status nationally and globally. What can be done at a time of deep political instability and environmental crisis? Piketty and Sandel agree on much: more inclusive investment in health and education, higher progressive taxation, curbing the political power of the rich and the overreach of markets. But how far and how fast can we push? Should we prioritize material or social change? What are the prospects for any change at all with nationalist forces resurgent? How should the left relate to values like patriotism and local solidarity where they collide with the challenges of mass migration and global climate change? To see Piketty and Sandel grapple with these and other problems is to glimpse new possibilities for change and justice but also the stubborn truth that progress towards greater equality never comes quickly or without deep social conflict and political struggle.
Michael Sandel Book order
Michael J. Sandel is an American political philosopher renowned for his exploration of moral and political questions. His work delves deeply into the nature of justice, citizenship, and the public good. Sandel challenges modern liberal conceptions of individual autonomy, emphasizing the significance of social ties and shared values. His analyses prompt reflection on how our personal identities and moral commitments shape our political lives, and how we can foster a more just and cohesive society.







- 2025
- 2021
"The world-renowned philosopher and author of the bestselling Justice explores the central question of our time: What has become of the common good? These are dangerous times for democracy. We live in an age of winners and losers, where the odds are stacked in favor of the already fortunate. Stalled social mobility and entrenched inequality give the lie to the American credo that 'you can make it if you try'. The consequence is a brew of anger and frustration that has fueled populist protest and extreme polarization, and led to deep distrust of both government and our fellow citizens--leaving us morally unprepared to face the profound challenges of our time. World-renowned philosopher Michael J. Sandel argues that to overcome the crises that are upending our world, we must rethink the attitudes toward success and failure that have accompanied globalization and rising inequality. Sandel shows the hubris a meritocracy generates among the winners and the harsh judgment it imposes on those left behind, and traces the dire consequences across a wide swath of American life. He offers an alternative way of thinking about success--more attentive to the role of luck in human affairs, more conducive to an ethic of humility and solidarity, and more affirming of the dignity of work. The Tyranny of Merit points us toward a hopeful vision of a new politics of the common good"--
- 2020
These are dangerous times for democracy. We live in an age of winners and losers, where the odds are stacked in favour of the already fortunate. Stalled social mobility and entrenched inequality give the lie to the promise that "you can make it if you try". And the consequence is a brew of anger and frustration that has fuelled populist protest, with the triumph of Brexit and election of Donald Trump. Michael J. Sandel argues that to overcome the polarized politics of our time, we must rethink the attitudes toward success and failure that have accompanied globalisation and rising inequality. Sandel highlights the hubris a meritocracy generates among the winners and the harsh judgement it imposes on those left behind. He offers an alternative way of thinking about success - more attentive to the role of luck in human affairs, more conducive to an ethic of humility, and more hospitable to a politics of the common good.
- 2018
Encountering China
- 296 pages
- 11 hours of reading
In Michael Sandel the Chinese have found a guide through the ethical dilemmas created by their swift embrace of a market economy-one whose communitarian ideas resonate with China's own rich, ancient philosophical traditions. This volume explores the connections and tensions revealed in this unlikely episode of Chinese engagement with the West.
- 2013
What Money Can't Buy. Was man für Geld nicht kaufen kann, Englische Ausgabe
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
"Should we pay children to read books or to get good grades? Should we allow corporations to pay for the right to pollute the atmosphere? Is it ethical to pay people to test risky new drugs or to donate their organs? What about hiring mercenaries to fight our wars? Auctioning admission to elite universities? Selling citizenship to immigrants willing to pay? In What Money Can't Buy, Michael J. Sandel takes on one of the biggest ethical questions of our time: Is there something wrong with a world in which everything is for sale? If so, how can we prevent market values from reaching into spheres of life where they don't belong? What are the moral limits of markets? In recent decades, market values have crowded out nonmarket norms in almost every aspect of life---medicine, education, government, law, art, sports, even family life and personal relations. Without quite realizing it, Sandel argues, we have drifted from having a market economy to being a market society. Is this where we want to be? ... What is the proper role of markets in a democratic society---and how can we protect the moral and civic goods that markets don't honor and that money can't buy?"--Back cover
- 2012
- 2012
What money can't buy : the moral limits of markets
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
In recent decades, market values have impinged on almost every aspect of life - medicine, education, government, law, even family life. We have drifted from having a market economy to being a market society. In What Money Can't Buy Michael Sandel asks: Isn't there something wrong with a world in which everything is for sale? And how do we protect the things that really matter? 'Brilliant, easily readable, beautifully delivered and often funny . . . an indispensable book.' David Aaronovitch, The Times 'The indispensable voice of reason.' John Gray 'A star philosopher.' Diane Coyle, Independent 'So patient and accumulative in its argument and examples.' John Lanchester 'A wake-up call.' Rowan Williams, Prospect 'Confronting and deeply moving.' Decca Aitkenhead, Guardian 'The world's most relevant living philosopher.' Newsweek 'Currently the most effective communicator of ideas.' Guardian
- 2009
The Case Against Perfection
- 176 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Breakthroughs in genetics present us with a promise and a predicament. Although most people find at least some forms of genetic engineering disquieting, it is not easy to articulate why. This work explores these and other moral quandaries connected with the quest to perfect ourselves and our children.
- 2009
Justice: What's The Right Thing To Do?
- 308 pages
- 11 hours of reading
A Harvard professor assesses the role of justice in modern society as well as the moral responsibilities faced by ordinary citizens, weighing a range of issues from euthanasia and abortion to affirmative action and tax structuring.
- 2006
Public Philosophy
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
This collection of essays addresses liberal fears about moral and religious arguments in public discourse, arguing that such discussions can coexist with progressive goals in a pluralistic society, promoting tolerance rather than coercion.


