Democracy’s discontent with Prof. Michael Sandel | Google Zeitgeist

[@judiththermidor5506]

Great talk! I enjoyed it. Thanks again for sharing it on this channel. Very nutritional content.

[@DoFliesCallUsWalks]

Prof.Sandel is pure legend.

[@isatousarr7044]

"Democracy's Discontent" reflects a growing sense of dissatisfaction with democratic systems, particularly as they grapple with deepening social, economic, and political divides. At its core, this discontent arises from the gap between democratic ideals and the realities of modern governance, where inequalities persist, political polarization intensifies, and citizens often feel alienated from the political process. While democracy promises equality, participation, and freedom, the growing influence of special interest groups, corporate power, and media manipulation can undermine these principles, leaving many to question whether democracy truly serves the public good. This discontent is also fueled by a perceived erosion of trust in democratic institutions and leaders, compounded by widespread cynicism about the effectiveness of democratic processes in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and systemic racism. Many feel that while democracy promises empowerment, it often results in gridlock, inefficiency, and a lack of meaningful change. As a result, the dissatisfaction with democracy isn't just about political outcomes, but about the very mechanisms through which political power is exercised, leading to calls for reform or even questioning of democratic legitimacy itself. However, despite these frustrations, democracy remains a powerful framework for addressing injustice and advancing collective well-being. The discontent with democracy can also serve as a catalyst for renewal and transformation, prompting a reimagining of democratic values and institutions that are more inclusive, responsive, and capable of meeting the complex challenges of our time. Ultimately, "Democracy's Discontent" calls for a critical reassessment of how democracy functions in practice and how it can be strengthened to better reflect the needs and aspirations of all citizens.

[@thescandinavian8339]

The notion that the average garage worker or asphalt layer is providing as much benefit to society as any professor is something academics find hard to wrap their head around.

[@maysalao4103]

REPRESENTATION as response to POLARIZATION

[@morganmayfair4755]

Bearded lawmakers make bearded laws. What if all the choices you are given are authoritarian? What if all, or the majority of your representatives have fallen under the threat of blackmail? What we should try is a direct democracy ❤️

[@tonyktchin6851]

I do believe “Elites” should rule, but the problem here is the poor definition of elites. And we should also admit there should be a good definition of different categories of elites.

[@cyberneticbutterfly8506]

I don't think you can have a finalized answer, instead it needs to be a constant dialectic.

[@anwiycti1585]

@@cyberneticbutterfly8506dialectic materialist😂😂😂

[@maysalao4103]

What if I don’t English?

[@FilipeBrasAlmeida]

Welfare-to-work and other assorted requirements and conditionalities on receiving social assistance and public services, are all different ways of saying: "you are less worthy of support and less of a citizen than others".

[@anwiycti1585]

Just do it without saying, eliminate the hubris 😂

[@NikolaosEnmetanoia]

The audience just could not accept the fact that they were actually (in reality) supporting what John S. Mill suggested, because they want to appear politically correct. But, let's face it, educated people are better at analysing problems and strategising solutions. So, it is inevitable having more of them in governments and parliaments. And, we all would agree (I suppose), it is for the better of our societies.

[@danielmcdermott3558]

@NikolaosEnmetanoia What if the educated use their additional purchasing power in voting to deprive others of their interests wrongfully. Then I suppose only part of society would be better off. Do we have reason to think this will not be the case? While the educated elite don’t get extra votes they use power and influence instead to ensure their interests at the expense of the rest of society, and the world.

[@JesseJedidiah]

You'd have to define what "educated" means. Also, what if more became educated because of AI personalization tools in education?

[@charlesmcclean5071]

I find Sandel's intellectual conceit here of setting up his audience quite infuriating. The irony is he really playing to an intuitive sense of their fairness and justice only to recast his regime change (let's call it), as only we the educated (paternally) can do this. Strictly speaking, philosophically, it is naive to object to the form of an elite but still trust yourself (an elite) - your noble intentions - to be enough. As a study in the psychology of how the Left dupes itself (again) about the nature of reform it is a good lesson.

[@dabrack9350]

It is insulting to assume work that pays less is less necessary or respectable. However, it is inescapable that the pay is determined by supply and demand. When more is needed or less is available, the pay increases unless arbitrary restraints such as government mandates or prohibitions exist.

[@cyberneticbutterfly8506]

There's two 'pay'. The pay from the customer to the business and the pay from the business to the worker. Will the latter also follow this supply and demand ideal? Certainly not always. Hence government mandates or prohibitions.

[@dabrack9350]

@@cyberneticbutterfly8506 Same rules for both. If the company needs a construction worker to push a wheelbarrow they can find a large supply and pay a low wage to a guy just strong enough; but if they need a construction guy to install and make the electrical system work every time and everywhere they will have to choose from a much smaller supply and pay much more.

[@dabrack9350]

You cannot argue that all jobs are equally valuable, though an honest effort to complete any job is honorable and respectable. The difference in pay can be understood by supply and demand. When the job requires special skills or experience it will command higher pay simply because there are fewer candidates qualified. A janitor's work is honorable and necessary, but many more people can do it than can do engineering.

[@Miguel_El_Chileno]

Oligarchy's Discontent

[@hezuikn]

got em

[@anwiycti1585]

@@hezuiknalong with the other oligarchy 😂😂

[@lilianteo3229]

There was a lawyer whose voice was above the law. Many respected him for some good reasons & his son, not a lawyer, inherited his infamous characteristics that led Perils to Democracy for 20 decades. I disagree that the well-educated/professionals make better decisions.

[@Zibonnn]

Well-educated people, not necessarily with a formal education, definitely make better decisions. But the problem is that too many stupid and evil people have degrees and people think they are educated.

[@dabrack9350]

The professor said more presentations would address solutions. How can I find them?

[@burgerkiller4438]

Not sure about more on the solutions but he discussed more about the problem of merit in his interview with Alex O'Connor. Also do recommend his course called Justice, where there are a lot of other ethical problems discussed, he's really amazing

[@franciscogalan8017]

Audience is terrible. They can't straight-forwardly answer Prof. Sandel's questions. Some others are just starring at their phones.

[@anwiycti1585]

technocrats?😂

[@HelenBrown-s1j]

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