Justice

In Chapter 1, Sandel divides theories of justice into three categories: (1) “maximizing welfare,” (2) “respecting freedom,” and (3) “promoting virtue” (5-6, 18).Does the rest of the book give equal treatment to all three theories, or are some better developed than others? Do these three categories encompass all of the major approaches to justice discussed in the book? If so, how do those approaches fit into each of these three categories?

Sandel illustrates competing views of justice throughout the book using both (1) hypothetical scenarios and (2) actual moral dilemmas arising from current and historical events. Why would Sandel use both? Is one or the other more effective to illustrate his points? If so, why?

In 2012, President Obama famously said “you didn’t build that” in a speech in which he argued that successful businesses owe their success partly to public infrastructure. What view of redistribution of income does this reflect? How would a libertarian respond to that argument? Would Rawls agree or disagree with Obama’s statement?