Fireside chat

Tuesday 24th May, London: 12:20 – 13:10

Is society being pulled apart by elitism or by inequality, culture wars or economic stagnation? How can we resolve the overlapping crises Western societies face?

• Michael Sandel: Michael Sandel teaches political philosophy at Harvard University.  His books–on justice, democracy, ethics, and markets–have been translated into more than 30 languages. He has been described as “the world’s most influential living philosopher.” (New Statesman). Sandel’s latest book, The Tyranny of Merit: What’s Become of the Common Good?, seeks a way beyond the polarized politics of our time. It was named a best book of the year by The Guardian, New Statesman, The Times Literary Supplement, Bloomberg, Le Point (Paris), and New Weekly (Beijing). Sandel’s free online course “Justice” has been viewed by tens of millions of people. His BBC Radio 4 series “The Global Philosopher” explores the ethical issues lying behind the headlines with participants from around the world. Sandel’s lectures have packed such venues as St. Paul’s Cathedral (London), the Sydney Opera House (Australia), and an outdoor stadium in Seoul (S. Korea), where 14,000 people came to hear him speak.

• Chair: Will Tanner: Will Tanner is the Director of Onward, a thinktank established in 2018 whose mission is to develop bold and practical ideas to boost economic opportunity and strengthen communities in all parts of the UK. Before Onward, Will advised Prime Minister Theresa May between 2013 and 2017, as a Special Adviser in the Home Office and as Deputy Head of Policy in 10 Downing Street.