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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Sander develops an interesting an important thesis about the dangers meritocracy poses to all of us. Not just questioning whether we are failing to truly be meritocratic (we are), but also identifying the harms to society and individuals meritocratic thinking brings. This is a really important questioning of a predominant philosophy in our society with wide ranging policy consequences. His critique falls on liberals and conservatives alike. While I accept his premise and want to think further about its consequences, the book has some issues.
While he cites evidence for his claims, there is often only a loose connection between his evidence and his claim. There are consistently many alternative explanations or causal routes for the relationships he claims. He rarely acknowledges these. The book is also incredibly repetitive. I would love to read and assign the New Yorker length article version of this thesis that wasn’t so repetitive.
While he cites evidence for his claims, there is often only a loose connection between his evidence and his claim. There are consistently many alternative explanations or causal routes for the relationships he claims. He rarely acknowledges these. The book is also incredibly repetitive. I would love to read and assign the New Yorker length article version of this thesis that wasn’t so repetitive.
Another excellent evaluation of the moral state, or lack thereof, of American society. I ask, especially in light of his earlier work, why Professor Sandel doesn't go farther in offering a foundation for American thinking on Justice.
My husband and I read this book together, reading aloud from it each morning. With the criticisms I'm about to offer, I want to say that it generated much discussion which is a point in its favor. That said, the book is mistitled. More than 3/4 of the book is about the Tyranny of Merit, but the Common Good is relegated to the shortest chapter in the book at the very end.
This is a book likely written entirely from the perspective and comfort of a Harvard office study and library. Historians and economic theorists are quoted with nary a reference/illustration/interview, etc. with a regular American who might benefit from and have something relevant to say about a book about the common good.
The book begins with an illustration from the celebrity college admissions scandal and ends with a story about Hank Aaron. With all that has gone on in our country in 2020, now 2021, there must be more from which to draw. My economics/political science majors husband is more generous about the book than I, but unless your major interest is in Ivy League meritocracy, I would not recommend you taking the time to read this.
We've finished the book. We're still waiting for the sub-title about the Common Good.
This is a book likely written entirely from the perspective and comfort of a Harvard office study and library. Historians and economic theorists are quoted with nary a reference/illustration/interview, etc. with a regular American who might benefit from and have something relevant to say about a book about the common good.
The book begins with an illustration from the celebrity college admissions scandal and ends with a story about Hank Aaron. With all that has gone on in our country in 2020, now 2021, there must be more from which to draw. My economics/political science majors husband is more generous about the book than I, but unless your major interest is in Ivy League meritocracy, I would not recommend you taking the time to read this.
We've finished the book. We're still waiting for the sub-title about the Common Good.
This is an interesting insight into why Trump and Brexit occurred. There are lots of theories and this one is argued pretty well. What I particularly enjoyed was how it linked the meritocracy philosophy with both Christian history and views, but also with its far reaching affects today. There are some constructive ideas at the end that led me to think of more possibilities. While I don't have the power to enact them, I can at least be hopeful y that there is another way.
This was a challenging read. The dark side to forty years of political rhetoric about getting a degree and working hard meaning you deserve what you get paid leading to hubris amongst societies winners and humiliation to its losers. The result, rising inequality and the majority in low pay feeling looked down on by those paid more. We've forgotten that everyone contributes to our shared society and that no one deserves their pay. It's an uncaring value placed on our talents and work by the free market, not a measure worthiness or a moral judgement. Those paid more are fortunate their talents have a higher economic value and should remember that the value placed on it is transient.
I really appreciated this book because of how much it challenged some beliefs that I have taken for granted, and opened my eyes to the shame of discourse and rhetoric within liberal circles when it comes to the topic of education and specifically the uneducated. Sandel calls into question whether we truly live in a meritocracy, but also asks whether that’s something that we even want from a moral perspective. The idea that anyone can “make it” if they can get a good education shames those who don’t “succeed”: they were too stupid, not driven enough, and too poor to get a proper education. All of these ideas start to become conflated, and those who don’t go to college become objects of prejudice, lesser members of society. This idea builds disdain among those who aren’t part of the educated elite. This “tyranny” of the meritocratic system becomes even more evident when Sandel calls into question the means by which the educated earn their credentials. Is it because of their superior intellect and grit, or because of their educated parents, support system, SAT prep, and demographics? No wonder Trump’s railing against the “liberal elite” is so effective in motivating uneducated white voters. The language used by liberal elites can be very down-putting of the unfortunate, even without the intention of doing so.
Although repetitive, "The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good?" (2020) by Michael Sandel was the most transformative book I have read in recent years, as it touches on fundamental current issues that explain the intricate human relations of our society at the beginning of this century. The principal point of this book is revealed as: The dignity of our work is not measured by the salary we receive.
A análise completa, extensa, encontra-se no meu blog em Português:
https://virtual-illusion.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-tirania-de-ter-de-ser-o-melhor.html
A análise completa, extensa, encontra-se no meu blog em Português:
https://virtual-illusion.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-tirania-de-ter-de-ser-o-melhor.html
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
The book provides an interesting view on society and is thought-provoking. I would have wished for a more concrete presentation the counter-concept of a meritocratic society.
Viktig bok om hvordan vi definerer og verdsetter suksess i samfunnet. Trekker en stjerne da den er litt i overkant fokusert på det amerikanske samfunnet for min del, men allikevel høyest relevant også lengre østover.
reflective
slow-paced