Introduction
The book “Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?” by Michael Sandel is a masterpiece trying to explore the major ethical and moral issues affecting humanity. According to the author, human beings should be allowed to lead unpressurized lifestyles (Sandel 62). The purpose of this essay is to describe the ideas and concepts presented in this book. The essay goes further to present the best views that can help more people lead meaningful lives. The main argument in this paper is that morality should always be treated as a private matter. This is the case because human beings have universal and natural rights that dictate their lives.
Background Information
Morality is an area that has attracted numerous philosophical ideas and concepts within the past two centuries. Many societies have been using different thoughts and theories to dictate human relationships. However, the author of this book goes further to attack specific ideas such as utilitarianism. The book also supports libertarianism as a powerful principle capable of upholding people’s liberties. Issues that undermine people’s liberties are also attacked by the author. The important obligation of every society is to treat its people with care and dignity. With reason, human beings will make adequate decisions that promote their freedoms and liberties (Sandel 39). Using powerful arguments, the author shows the reader that most of the existing philosophical notions tend to make justice something dependent on people’s interests. True justice, according to the author, should therefore be able to imply neutrality (Sandel 96).
Summary
In the first chapter, the book reexamines the question of justice and why people should take it seriously. The author goes further to present the utility concept. This concept supports human pleasure, dignity, and happiness. Libertarianism is supported as powerful principle explaining why people should be free to make specific decisions. A good example is the ability or freedom to impose self-harm. The fourth chapter focuses on controversial topics such as wars and bearing children (Sandel 43). These are issues that must never be dictated by labor or market laws. The book goes further to explain why human actions matter the most. According to Immanuel Kant, human beings deserve respect and dignity.
The issue of equality is also described in the book. John Rawls believes in a hypothetical contract capable of providing equal liberties to all freedoms including freedom of religion and speech (Sandel 81). This explains why social utility is the best model towards supporting people’s welfare. The issue of affirmative action is also described by the author. The best approach is considering the question of affirmative action through the use of abstract principles. The outstanding lesson is that morality is a subject that has governed every aspect of human life. A positive approach to justice will ensure more people to design and live in the best societies.
Evaluation
From a personal perspective, I strongly believe that the book has achieved the intended goal. This is the case because the author did not intend to change any existing moral argument. Instead, he offers powerful discussions and anecdotes to present the central lesson to the reader. The central lesson obtained from the book is that justice is a positive approach that will ensure more people design the best societies for themselves. The author goes further to consider various concepts and moral thoughts to support the fact that morality should be treated as a private matter (Sandel 82).
Several strengths can be observed from the text. For example, the author uses specific philosophical thoughts throughout the book. Eye-catching stories are also used to pinpoint the weaknesses and strengths of various moral philosophies (Sandel 44). The author also avoids causing unnecessary drama by encouraging the reader to make his or her own conclusions. The book also supports the use of various ideas to create new values that can make our societies much better. The only weakness is that the author fails to outline specific alternatives that can promote equality for all.
I have always studied widely in order to understand various ethical theories. My goal has been to understand the best approaches towards maximizing human happiness. I have always believed that utilitarianism is a powerful principle that can make the human society much better (Sandel 65). However, this text has presented new concepts that have the potential to redefine my understanding of human justice and freedom.
Conclusion
This masterpiece presents powerful concepts that can promote human freedom. Some of the existing principles are inadequate because of their inability to promote equality for every person (Sandel 105). I have understood that justice is a personal subject that must be taken seriously by all. People should read about more ethical principles and philosophies in order to support their liberties. This knowledge will also make it easier for them to create better societies that will support their goals. This study is relevant because it offers new insights that can redefine the morality debate. Societies should therefore use this knowledge to identify new principles capable of maximizing equality and justice.
Work Cited
Sandel, Michael. Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2010. Print.