Categories: 21st Century History: From C 2000 - Social & Political Philosophy Society & Social Sciences Social Discrimination Social Classes Political Science & Theory Political Structures: Democracy


The Tyranny of Merit Whats Become of the Common Good?
Michael J. Sandel

Paperback edition

Paperback (14 Sep 2021)


A TLS, GUARDIAN AND NEW STATESMAN BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020

The new bestseller from the acclaimed author of Justice and one of the worlds most popular philosophers

"Astute, insightful, and empathetic...A crucial book for this moment" Tara Westover, author of Educated

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 promise that "you can make it if you try". The consequence is a brew of anger and frustration that has fuelled populist protests, with the triumph of Brexit and the 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 globalization and rising inequality. Sandel highlights the hubris a meritocracy generates among the winners and the harsh judgment 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 the politics of the common good.


Book information

ISBN: 9780141991177
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Imprint: Penguin Books
Pub date: 14 Sep 2021
Edition: Paperback edition
DEWEY: 320.011
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Sales rank: 11096
Number of pages: 272
Weight: 214g
Height: 129mm
Width: 197mm
Spine width: 20mm