Philosopher, professor at Harvard University Michael Sandel collected in his book a lot of cases when the market invades areas dominated by other norms: human rights, state laws, ethical principles … You can’t replace them with money, the author is sure.
Standing in a traffic jam, you can often observe the following picture: the most impatient drivers, despite the ban, go around the traffic jam on the side of the road. They do it because they are willing to pay. A fine for them is just the price of more comfort. And here’s another example: your child began to lag behind in school. Why not promise him an increase in pocket money for good grades? And how about paying off the loan faster by selling advertising space on… well, let’s say, on your arm? And better immediately on the forehead — very original! Philosopher, professor at Harvard University Michael Sandel collected in his book a lot of cases when the market invades areas dominated by other norms: human rights, state laws, ethical principles … You can’t replace them with money, the author is sure. Indeed, in this case, their intrinsic value for us is lost. When we stop being guided by the concepts of «right», «honest», «fair», we accept the belief that everything can be bargained for. But without rules that are the same for all, society cannot exist, Sandel warns. And right now it’s time to think about the cost to us of the unlimited freedom of the market, which we have been striving for.
Mann, Ivanov and Ferber, 256 p.