Republicanism and Freedom
Philosopher Michael Sandel talks about the republican conception of freedom, which he characterizes as one that emphasizes the importance of citizens sharing in self-government. Professor Sandel adds that this notion of freedom also emphasizes that ...
Physician-Assisted Suicide
Philosopher Michael Sandel criticizes the argument that the Supreme Court should adopt a neutral position that does not prevent individuals from opting for physician-assisted suicide. Professor Sandel talks about the opposing view, which does not ag...
Moral Issues and the Self
Philosopher Michael Sandel continues his discussion of morality and the self, exploring the ideas of both the encumbered and the unencumbered self. As an example of someone who acted with the sense of solidarity and moral obligation consistent with ...
Interpreting the Bill of Rights
Philosopher Michael Sandel contrasts liberal and republican political philosophies, using historical interpretation of the Bill of Rights as a means by which to discuss the differing conceptions of freedom and citizenship that each of these philosop...
Republicanism: Aristotle and Hegel
Philosopher Michael Sandel talks about the sources of contemporary Republican theory. He briefly discusses Aristotle, who emphasized the importance for a full human life of sharing in self-rule. Professor Sandel also discusses Hegel, who contributed...
What is Philosophy?: Relationship of Philosophy to Other Fields of Thought
What is philosophy? How is it related to other fields of thought? How is it different? In response to these questions, nine preeminent scholars create an insightful view of philosophy and the role it plays in contemporary society.
Liberal and Communitarian Theories of Government
Philosopher Michael Sandel says he recognizes the power of the liberal theory of government, because its neutral position regarding morality is based on a certain conception of freedom. Despite this, however, Professor Sandel believes the liberal po...
What is Justice?: What is Justice?
From the day they are born, people's chances in life differ. Some inherit money, social status, and good health; others are given far less. Justice, for some, is about redistributing the benefits and burdens, and providing an equality of opportunity...
American Heritage: Conflict and Political Discourse
Politics is more than the pursuit of shared ideals. It is the way that a society makes its governing decisions. Two major sources of disagreement dominate the political stage: conflict over distribution of scarce resources and differences in values....
What Justifies the State?: Call for Reasoned Public Debate, A
Communitarians have been accused of being conservative, of attempting to maintain a way of life that includes discrimination against women and minorities. For communitarians, such problems can be solved by reasoned public debate, as long as the subj...