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Justice

Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

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Michael J. Sandel

Justice

Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Justice, Michael J. Sandel delves into various philosophical theories concerning justice, including utilitarianism, libertarianism, and virtue ethics, contrasting their approaches while applying them to contemporary legal and political issues. The book explores the thoughts of key philosophers like Kant, Rawls, and Aristotle, and examines specific topics such as the morality of markets, affirmative action, and reparations for historical injustices.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

25,373 ratings

86%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Michael J. Sandel's Justice is praised for its engaging and thought-provoking exploration of moral philosophy, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. Critics commend Sandel's ability to connect theory with contemporary issues. However, some feel the book lacks depth in certain areas, occasionally oversimplifying arguments. Overall, it's a valuable introductory text for readers interested in ethics and justice.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Justice?

Ideal for readers who enjoy exploring moral and ethical questions, those who appreciated A Theory of Justice by John Rawls or The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt will find Sandel's Justice intellectually stimulating. It suits critical thinkers and anyone intrigued by philosophy, political science, and law.

4.3

25,373 ratings

86%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Michael J. Sandel

Author and professor at Harvard University, Sandel teaches a popular course on justice that serves as the basis for the book, where he explores various theories of justice without explicitly endorsing one until the conclusion.

An ancient philosopher whose theory of justice revolves around understanding the purpose of social practices, and Sandel dedicates a chapter to discussing these views.

A seminal philosopher known for his theory of rights based on human dignity and rationality, who also emphasized the moral distinction between humans and objects.

An American political philosopher who offered a theory of justice based on principles agreed upon in an initial situation of equality and evolved this theory in his later work, Political Liberalism.

A philosopher associated with utilitarianism who attempted to balance individual rights with utilitarian principles, particularly noted for his work On Liberty.

An English philosopher who established the doctrine of utilitarianism and proposed controversial social reforms to maximize happiness.

An Austrian economist and philosopher critical of the welfare state, arguing that it undermines a free society.

An American economist advocating for laissez-faire economics and critiquing many state activities as infringements on individual freedom, though he recognized certain social inequalities.

A philosopher known for his work Anarchy, State and Utopia, in which he defends a minimal state focused on protecting individual rights.

An Enlightenment political theorist who argued that commercializing civic duties compromises freedom.

A philosopher known for his advocacy of property rights and limited government, with a theory of inalienable rights that incorporates religious elements.

A legal philosopher known for his rights-based philosophy, making arguments in favor of affirmative action from a perspective similar to Rawls, focusing on the fairness of different admissions criteria.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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