Conversation with Michael J. Sandel: Justice — What's the Right Thing to Do?

Conversation with Michael J. Sandel has a point of view. Premier Guide Miami asked the questions. Here is what we learned.

Political philosopher and Harvard Professor Michael J. Sandel has engaged American society in public debate and policy for many decades. Having gained acclaim for his philosophical critique of John Rawls' Theory of Justice, Mr. Sandel opened the eyes of many Americans to the various underlying factors involved in their personal philosophies and political and social beliefs. His course on "Justice" is one of the most attended in Harvard's history, giving students the tools to examine the morality and justice in American political life.

Premier Guide Miami's Marie-Junie Pierre got a chance to conduct a one-on-one interview with Mr. Sandel at Books & Books in Coral Gables, where he read excerpts from his new book, Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?

PGM: What would you like to leave your readers with in this new book?

MJS: I would like to leave my readers with big questions about justice, the individual and the common good. It encompasses the moral dilemmas we wrestle with and the political controversies that we argue about — like bail-outs, torture, same-sex marriage, affirmative action, and income distribution. All of these current debates raise big philosophical questions, and the book is an attempt to enable people to think through what they believe and the reasons behind those beliefs on big questions like ethics, justice and what it means to be a citizen.

PGM: Do you think it is possible for the American public to redefine our perception of marriage when it comes to same-sex marriage?

MJS: I think that social institutions do change, and part of democratic deliberation among people with different views is to try to work out the meaning of marriage in our time. These debates raise big questions about people's values, and our politics would go better if we addressed those values directly and really appealed to the principles underlying the positions that we take.

PGM: What's your personal opinion on same-sex marriage?

MJS: I am in favor of same-sex marriage, but I think it has to be argued out democratically — which is currently happening state by state. People are having these debates, sometimes in the courts and also very often within the democratic process.

PGM: How do you think the healthcare system can be reformed?

MJS: I think we have to decide whether some decent level of healthcare is a fundamental right of citizens. The reformed healthcare system must include everyone so that no one suffers from the effects of their health due to no fault of their own. As citizens of a democratic society, we are responsible to ensure that everyone has healthcare and to take responsibility for those who are unable to provide accordingly for themselves.

PGM: What would you like to leave in your legacy?

MJS: I would like to be able to contribute to improving public debate and to do it in a way which involves not only students and scholars but also engages citizens from everywhere who care about democracy.

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