Meritocracy on Trial: A Public Conversation on Michael Sandel’s The Tyranny of Merit

Should America (or Duke) be a meritocracy? Should those with the most ability get the most rewards? Or is the ideal of meritocracy tearing us apart? On October 7, America's leading political philosopher, Michael Sandel (Harvard), is coming to Duke's Karsh Alumni Center. Presenting an argument, based on his award-winning book, The Tyranny of Merit: Can We Find the Common Good?, Sandel will address questions shaping pressing debates about equality, diversity and the role of universities in our democracy. Sandel will be joined by two high-profile discussants-Danielle Sassoon, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Jed Purdy, a law professor at Duke and prolific writer on environmental and economic justice. Books will also be available for purchase. Professor Sandel will be able to sign copies of the book. Complimentary parking will be available in the gravel lot across from Karsh Alumni Center. No registration is required to attend this event. Michael Sandel teaches political philosophy at Harvard University where he is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government. His writings-on justice, ethics, democracy, and markets-have been translated into over 30 languages. He has been described as "the world's most influential living philosopher." (New Statesman). His legendary course "Justice" was the first Harvard course to be made freely available online and has been viewed by tens of millions of people. Here are all the details: Title: Meritocracy on Trial: A Discussion of Michael Sandel's The Tyranny of Merit Date: Tuesday, October 7 from 5:30-7pm. Location: Karsh Alumni Center Parking: Complimentary parking will be available in the gravel lot across from Karsh. Registration: Not Required Contact: Alex Kirshner ask34@duke.edu Details: https://duke.is/c/x3z8