Monday, November 5, 2012

Justice: what's the right thing to do?

By: Michael J. Sandel
Reviewed by:  Sihyun K; 16
Rating:  It was amazing!


A reputable professor at Harvard University, explores various themes of justice and righteousness, providing diverse perspectives on difficult philosophical matters; instead of asserting his own opinions, Dr. Sandel throws questions which lead us to derive our own conclusion. The first two chapters discuss the fundamental requirements of happiness, while describing sophisticated ideas of J. Bentham and J. Mill. For example, if people had a choice to bring happiness to a community by throwing an innocent child in the dungeon, would they willingly sacrifice a boy for a greater purpose? According to Bentham, the ultimate goal of all human beings lies on the happiness of a community, rather than that of individuals. However, two arguments featured in the book defy the utilitarianism developed by Bentham, and they place the rights of individuals before the common goals of a community. Justice also tackles racial issues in the American society by posing questions regarding racial discrimination and affirmative action; Dr. Sandel showcases multi-faceted aspects of racial conflicts between Caucasians and African Americans with various examples. Justice is best characterized as a book that converts the long-standing notion of traditional philosophy, regarded as dull and difficult, to a practical concept involving our community and daily routines. 

Recommended to: Everyone who seeks a keen philosophical analysis on modern issues of the world.


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