In the first episode of Reading Our Times, Nick Spencer talks to leading political philosopher Michael Sandel about the pitfalls of meritocracy. 15/09/2020

Presidents, prime ministers, and pundits all love to praise meritocracy, the dream of a society in which we can go as far as our talents and hard work take us. But what if that dream is actually a nightmare? 

Nick Spencer talks to leading political philosopher Michael Sandel about the pitfalls of meritocracy, and traces the roots of these tensions all the way back to a fifth–century theological debate.

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Learn more about the people and ideas behind the episode

The Tyranny of Merit by Michael Sandel

 Merit, justice and liberalism: getting to the heart of Michael Sandel

Theos Annual Lecture 2020 with Michael Sandel

The dignity of work: making it a reality

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