Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?

A Review

In his book Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?, Michael J. Sandel argues that there is no one right answer to the question of justice. Instead, he says, justice is a matter of interpretation and debate. Sandel draws on a variety of sources, including philosophy, law, and literature, to explore the different ways that people have thought about justice. He also discusses the challenges that we face in trying to create a just society.

Sandel's Argument

Sandel begins by arguing that there is no such thing as a universal definition of justice. He says that what is considered just in one society may be considered unjust in another. For example, in some societies, it is considered just to punish criminals by cutting off their hands. In other societies, this would be considered cruel and unusual punishment.

Sandel also argues that justice is not simply a matter of following the law. He says that there are many cases in which the law may not be just. For example, the law may allow for discrimination against certain groups of people. In such cases, Sandel says, it is important to disobey the law in order to achieve justice.

The Challenges of Justice

Sandel argues that there are a number of challenges that we face in trying to create a just society. One challenge is that we often have conflicting values. For example, we may value both equality and freedom. However, these values can sometimes conflict with each other. For example, if we create a society that is perfectly equal, we may also sacrifice some of our freedom.

Another challenge is that we often have limited resources. We cannot always provide everyone with everything they need. This means that we have to make difficult choices about how to allocate resources. For example, should we spend more money on education or on healthcare?

Sandel's Conclusion

Sandel concludes by arguing that justice is a never-ending quest. There is no one right answer to the question of justice. Instead, we must constantly strive to create a more just society. This is a difficult task, but it is one that is essential for a good life.

Why You Should Read This Book

Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? is a thought-provoking and challenging book that will change the way you think about justice. Sandel's writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of explaining complex philosophical concepts in a way that is accessible to everyone. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in justice, ethics, or political philosophy.

Where to Buy This Book

You can purchase Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-a-Million. You can also find this book at your local library.