Justice: What's The Right Thing To Do? Episode 10: "THE GOOD CITIZEN"

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PART ONE: THE GOOD CITIZEN
Aristotle believes the purpose of politics is to promote and cultivate the virtue of its citizens. The telos or goal of the state and political community is the good life. And those citizens who contribute most to the purpose of the community are the ones who should be most rewarded. But how do we know the purpose of a community or a practice? Aristotles theory of justice leads to a contemporary debate about golf. Sandel describes the case of Casey Martin, a disabled golfer, who sued the PGA after it declined his request to use a golf cart on the PGA Tour. The case leads to a debate about the purpose of golf and whether a players ability to walk the course is essential to the game.
PART TWO: FREEDOM VS. FIT
How does Aristotle address the issue of individual rights and the freedom to choose? If our place in society is determined by where we best fit, doesnt that eliminate personal choice? What if I am best suited to do one kind of work, but I want to do another? In this lecture, Sandel addresses one of the most glaring objections to Aristotles views on freedom-his defense of slavery as a fitting social role for certain human beings. Students discuss other objections to Aristotles theories and debate whether his philosophy overly restricts the freedom of individuals.

[@TheRealBlueSwan]

Sandel NEVER misspeaks or displays ANY sort of verbal tic. Everything he says is 100% coherent and seemingly thought through, almost as if he's reading from a script made by a brilliantly gifted writer. It's the same whether he's doing these lectures, the BBC4 public philosophy shows or various interviews. It really is not just pretty impressive but truly awe inspiring - especially for a fellow teacher.

[@HotepThinking]

TheRealBlueSwan He does what so few adults do in this day; he thinks before he speaks. when he poses a question he isn't just waiting for the student to respond he is actively taking part in a conversation. (this is what education is meant to look like).

[@iandeanburns]

If you ever have to public speak for a living, you'll develop that too, so long as you allow yourself to be creative with your language. Also, writing a couple books on the side doesn't hurt, either.

[@eagillum]

He's clearly turned these arguments over and over in his mind for several years.

[@brandongaskins3599]

I pointed this out to a friend of mine who's watching this with me. I also added that I never hear him say "uhmmm" or using the word "like" as sentence fillers. He enunciates, speaking slow enough to process what he's saying (for the most part. I have to rewind a few parts but that's entirely my fault. I haven't been in school in a while) and he keeps his audience engaged. Does anybody else know of any lectures that he has done that I can watch?

[@jamesclapp6832]

@@brandongaskins3599 He has a slight lisp which, by speaking slowly and rythmically, is mitigated.

[@mateiteca1780]

These lectures are great! Who is still here in 2020?

[@justdenis1]

it seems there are quite a few people here in 2020 ^_^ I totally agree with you - lectures are amazing!

[@presidiun]

@@justdenis1 These are nice. However, the way the student body debates a posted question is underwhelming. The positions prevailing in the news have soaked deep enough in their minds that when asked to dissect a topic they lack the ability, or at least is sufficiently benign, to do so.

[@kemtgi]

Fantastic set of lectures.

[@thegautamamit]

Me

[@Anshuman_Raj_vanshi]

Me

[@miskee11]

Sandel's eloquent lectures restore my faith in humanity.

[@pragnyanayakgujaratibhajan5329]

Yaaaaaaa

[@NotADancer2012]

All these videos have made me thing about many things. I know that I wasn't the best student when I was at school, but there's one thing for sure. I would have loved having a teacher as professor Sandel. His lectures are great! I've been having a great time watching all these video lectures. He has showed me a new way of learning on the internet. I am not a native speaker of english, I am sorry in advance if I have committed any grammar mistakes. Eveytime I watch professor Sandel's lectures I feel humble as a human being. Have a great day!

[@cissyfraser5962]

Daniel Rodriguez Your English is perfect! And I am in the same boat, Prof. Sandel himself seems humble, and it is humbling to be in the presence of great masters such as Aristotle.

[@sentinel1ify]

dont worry we all Thing about many things some times

[@DD-hz4dw]

Yes you are right. It was very difficult to understand and cope up with my teacher in political philosophy class. But when I came across Prof. Sandels lectures I realised nothing is difficult and impossible. These lectures helped a lot particularly to disadvantaged students who do not have strong English background.

[@christynavaratnalage7827]

Daniel Rodriguez totally agree with you mate !

[@neginm7459]

@@sentinel1ify it was just a very common typo!

[@kylaelbaespeleta]

I never had a lecture like this in real life. Professor Sandel surely changed my perspective about learnings and group meetings and discussions. My life would never be the same, I may not remember all these lectures but I will not deny the fact that I've learned something exceptional and unforgettable, and that is the love of knowledge and the passion of sharing it amongst people with humility and understanding. In school and university learning and lectures for me are always tied up with words of being not good enough and pressure of learning but now I know the value of quality education. Learning is fun 💚 From Philippines, 2021

[@jaruwand.5008]

It's​ Feb.8, 2022​ and​ I'm​ here​ enjoying this​ lecture. Very​ worthwhile.

[@brickstine202]

I’m still here, and the students restore my faith as well.

[@gracerodgers8952]

It is really incredible the way he weaves each lesson, one into the other. Enjoyable and easy to follow. Thank you Harvard for the contribution. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

[@yufanzhou9948]

I really like the way professor Michael Sandel responds and summarizes the points of these students. He links Patrick's point of the uncertainty of the conception of good and Mary Kate's point of freedom when deciding one's role. Michael Sandel then points out what is at stake: the priority between goodness and right, and the definition of a free person, which are topics of the next class. Amazing.

[@MichaelZeng-hn5my]

Professor Micheal Sandel is a brilliant lecturer n skillful in putting interesting questions to the graduated students audiences after finishing his tutorial course sessions. I always like to hear his lecturing sessions with admirations n great respects as well. Harvard University has acquired most of the brilliant professors in every faculties. Grateful n highly appreciated for having the opportunities to watch on the youtube.

[@kiberuabdulmalik7637]

These lectures are great! Who is still here in 2021?

[@f.l.fargose6446]

Excellent Teacher!!! Michael Sandel is a gifted orator. It's so inspiring to listening to such great lectures. God bless you.

[@maryguo7860]

I wish i could be one in the room, but i am so appreciated can see the super lectures via youtube. Great professor!

[@KyleJBales]

It is really good to see real debates amongst young people in this lecture hall and in these comment threads. People are actually using real examples of their perspective to convey an opinion with substance. Great lectures and should give the human species a glimpse of faith for the future. If these people can raise to the status of actionable viewpoints, we have a brighter future for mankind.

[@stateofatlanteus7847]

They should play these videos in Congress. Maybe they will learn to intelligently debate issues

[@TeamPill]

I'd play a video of high school policy debate tournaments, younger aged kids debating way more eloquently and intelligently than even this.

[@WhiteRhino.]

@@TeamPill new age debate is sadly trash. Essential fast talking to get more points in...no bueno

[@TeamPill]

@@WhiteRhino. It allows for more complex discourse once a person gets used to it. It's hard to have a good debate when one is limited in information and time to argue about that information.

[@Sir_BoazMutatayi]

If I can turn on youtube to watch Dr Sandel all 12 lecture videos more than I don’t know how many times. I have full confidence that As a college student, I would have attended all of his 8am lectures If I had registered to the course on site.

[@rickbruner]

Very well done lecture. This may have been Sandel's best in the series. Objective and informative. The students also added a lot in their rich, varied answers.

[@eran11234]

"I WISH I WAS THERE TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION" is a common thought when watching this

[@thegalhorowitz]

yessss!

[@ninigreen7]

Thank you very much for posting these lectures. I am a student of Philosophy in United Kingdom and these lectures are of great help. A very good series indeed!

[@finite-element]

According to Kant, I think a virtue of self-appreciation is also a categorical imperative that everyone should abide with, hence, ultimately speaking, freedom, or say the right to choose what you do, coincides with the telos of the vocation you choose.

[@h0a98]

These lectures are great, who is still here in 2021?

[@ranjeet1042]

Wow’s that’s lecture made my day in era 2023🎉

[@CamperPubggaming]

I try to finish all of these lectures From Afghanistan❤️ anyone else in 2021?😁

[@Vishal-lo5px]

Are you ok there dude?? All the India is worried about civilians of Afghanistan. Love from 🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@mohammadazimi4191]

Vishal Thanks dear Vishal! Although, nowadays, we have no hope about future in Afghanistan, still, we’ll try to be fine!

[@firojmnalam6121]

The means of transport removes the barrier of distance. Nowadays,goods produced at one place are readily available at distant places. People move freely throughout the world because of the transport facility?) It is connected with every step of our life. We cannot move a single step without transport.❤❤❤❤❤

[@viethungtran7806]

I am here in 2024 and will be here in 2030.

[@XlogicXX]

These videos are really great. I've been transfixed for the past 4 videos. I especially thought that the conversation on Affirmative action was rich and covered multiple perspectives, and it was presented by young minds in a dignified manner -- on both sides. It goes to show you how a good teacher/educator can set the stage for students to learn and grow by sharing different perspectives. The Socratic method is truly a great tool for education!

[@kaceyjustus8266]

August 2024 and I'm still watching it

[@thegoonist]

35:19 looks like sandel touched a nerve there LMFAO

[@FrankEnanoza]

I love these lectures!

[@kyut3736]

Really great to hear this learning enhancing lecture in 2022. Can't stop myself checking again and again whether I hit the like button or not .

[@lawtutor-leng]

This university produces something great to the world. I can say it again when it launches such this lecture through YT. As I'm a law student ⚖️ who is far away from this university. But I can stay close by learning via many materials from it.

[@alexxa8273]

This was such an amazing lecture. My philosophy 100 teacher sent this to us to watch and I loved it. Professor Sandel is so clear and I really understood what he was saying.

[@gauravchaurasia3235]

but if you read these philosophers more closely you will realse that their views were open to reinterpretation

[@ricardosantos6721]

@@gauravchaurasia3235 hah, especially the libertarian ones, not to mention the affirmative action, that one had like 128 more layers that he never touched with a mile long pole

[@Silirion]

Thank you for sharing your reflections Chikeeze. Truly a good description of how we in this reciprocal communication can lift one another, and allow our gifts, strengths and talents to peak!

[@lizgichora6472]

Exceptional lecture!..Thank you.

[@АйгульИманова-с8е]

Discovered those lectures in 2023! 🌺

[@gloriatellez2233]

In this moment I am facing the second lockdown in New Zealand. And I have decided to change my mindset and I am here. Investing in myself. God bless you 🤗🙌

[@shashankshekharsingh7854]

Excellent lecture Who is here In 2023 👌

[@anandshinde6707]

What a great oratory and a deep knowledge. I never experienced such great lecture. We are very lucky to have opportunity to hear through advance technology and gadgets. Lawfield is enriched due to efforts of such luminaries.

[@anibalcolon2234]

Walking The course is a distinguishing factor to separate professional l level versus others

[@kaaskop01]

I'm a random guy from Holland and even though I find a lot of this stuff hard too understand, this series is very interesting and amusing ^^ keep it up Harvard & Mr. Sandel! :D

[@larryc504]

this guy give a great lecture thank you ahrvard and mr sandle

[@nitin0087]

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिन: सर्वे संतु निरामया। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु माकश्चिद दुःख भागभ्वेत।।

[@johnkoatdungdit3193]

I am convinced by your lectures that I watched

[@shabankapsaly1945]

he's unmatched lecturer.i like the way he articulates issues and also once you listen to him you would want to know what is the next word he will utter...

[@carakriegshauser188]

the reason they don't want golf carts on the PGA tour is to allow the fans to walk the course with the golfers. If the players used carts they would have to wait for fans to walk to the next hole. The PGA just didn't want to say its all about the money from the fan base.

[@richardbittencourt8515]

Hi pretty how are you doing today? You look charming

[@heavymetallover29]

Slavery does not belong in a just society. The American dream is neither to rule nor be ruled. We should all be free agents regardless of our generational predispositions.

[@zericobastiaan1890]

Prof Sandel. you made me aware of the inequality in the BBBEE Act in South Africa. I draft my complaint from listening to this video's . The Ends and Means.

[@epic6434]

The cart might be equipped with a measuring gadget and give a player an insight to what strategy could have an advantage. Maybe that sounds ridiculous but if you are able to rush through the course it's going to be an easy money grab because walking the course was or could disturb a player's comfort as they practice do they walk the course? So there's an added difficulty for the common players it's a game of patience huh?

[@kendralewis5883]

Interesting that you mentioned ✌️🏽an easy money grab✌️🏽… I think you should elaborate more on that thought 👀

[@KnowTime]

47:44 Nice of Matthew McConaughey to speak on behalf of pirates

[@k-sansenpai7774]

I don't understand all of it, but the part I understand makes me want to learn more

[@ludwigwittgenstein1280]

Inspiring. That’s the word.

[@firojmnalam6121]

The colonial economy in Pakistan was, however, primarily based on rice cultivation and rubber plantations owned by the French and a small Taliban elite?) Rail and port facilities were set up to service this sector?) Indentured Pakistan labour was widely used in the rubber plantations. The French, contrary to what Bernard would have liked,did little to industrialise the economy. In the rural areas landlordism spread and the standard of living declined.❤❤❤❤❤

[@Alex-zc9ty]

Legendary lecturer

[@vivieneb3131]

There's also that notion...does being fit for something require the person's heart to be truly in it? Would Aristotle inquire that the person best fit for job is also one that genuinely wants to enter that profession? He seems to only look at it from the matter of inherent skill sets and virtues... I personally believe that an individual's personal motivation can drive them to learn new skills etc. so that they can become good at something they might not be naturally good at. That quality - paired with the consequential hard work and tenacity - is what determines whether a person is fit for something or not.

[@vivieneb3131]

Aristotle also suggests that the is only one 'end' or 'purpose' for every individual... even if there is that one exclusive thing they're great at, the average person has an array of motivations and skills that they should be able/will want to act upon. Especially in our modern society, where it's very unlikely for a person to stay in one career throughout their whole lives, due to the rise of AI and structural employment... Many people also have interests that are maybe 'inconsistent' with each other, but they're still able to compromise and pursue both of these ideals in some form or another e.g. a scientist who works in lab, but also finds the mean to communicate/entertain audiences through a science broadcast show. Both pursuits require a different set of skills but an individual is capable of doing both. I think Aristotle robs a person of the ability to fully explore their potential (which shouldn't be entirely objective on the grounds of freedom).

[@kennethlim8165]

KZbin just recommended it to me. Good recommendation, Thanks!

[@bahomyeze7075]

Jan 2024 my time stamp. Who is still here?

[@Kyrgyzstan0444]

Whoo is still here in 2023?Hello guys

[@Reality_Passes]

2024

[@robinnautica9773]

​@@Reality_Passes Same watched all 12 episodes multiple times now and sometimes even for sleeping

[@yasminefadinger5431]

Even 2024😅

[@91hsh]

but idiots don't realize when you're in the lecture you don't get the same quick intuitions they can get in the comfort of their home

[@WesleyPorter-bu6tz]

Thank you Micheal Sandler. Sir. For what u do and who u are . And yes I can drive and have valid drivers lic. The police said Thay don,t care what i think.

[@eskokauppila1327]

"...as we have all, peace is only the right thing to do!"

[@LeveMeiALone]

Came here after I watched a clip on tiktok 😅

[@elbless2247]

2024 I'm here 🎉

[@hariadhikari8165]

Thank you professor

[@suikoarke]

You ruin the internet! Can't wait for the next one.

[@firojmnalam6121]

The Executive is the most important part of the government. It exercises power as recommended by the Constitution of would. The president of USA is the Chief Executive. The executive also appoints judges with the help of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Hhenryarero]

Henry Halakhe from Northern Kenya,2023

[@mehdibaghbadran3182]

Your products and quality shows your capability

[@inssaagostinhoabudoabudo99]

2024❤🎉 watching them like series😅

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Exceptionally informative and well done.

[@hamrazahmad850]

Allah give you longer life with good health Amen ....i am sending prayers to you from Pakistan

[@manuelestevez007]

Un punto importante es determinar el nivel de la actividad, en contraste al trabajo, debido a que una actividad de diversión puede ser 1. Juego 2. Deporte o 3. Box. You dont play Box, you fight. En ese sentido, creo si es importante el considerar la fatiga como un elemento importante, caso contrario podrían jugar mini golf.

[@Rarnabybudge]

When push comes to shove you've got to do what you love, even if it's not a good idea.

[@Sirsudzy]

I Have that Robin Williams skit in my head during this "Hit the Ball, get in the cart....Hit the Ball, get in the cart....Hit the Ball, get in the cart...." lol

[@BishopKisato]

Great learning, Thank you very much. Am gaining a lot.

[@sera_makyuri]

I'm surprised how Plato's 'Republic' hasn't been mentioned in regards to the idea of "fit for role". He's the one that promotes an utopic society in which all its members are assigned a role based on their abilities. From a theoretical perspective, he makes a good point that could be debated within this discussion.

[@kongsikyung-freedomfundame7746]

Search Kongsikyung. You will find the future of our society. Freedom first before Justice!!! Humanity first before Ideology!!! And for Victory of Freedom!!!

[@Silirion]

Well, textbook definition says: an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. I've treated golfers as a physical therapist, and I would say that they do get tested both physically and mentally during their rounds on the course. The most significant stressor however seems to be the chase for a score, not so much the walking element.

[@champ_achirawit4715]

Thank you for learns about its because we are learning for to get better

[@MrBigshifty]

Thank you! Something told me that was the case.

[@elvintiagi9363]

if you're reading this ur 5% of those who stuck around since episode 1

[@vivieneb3131]

Easy for Aristotle to justify slavery when he can deem that he himself isn't fit to be a slave :)))

[@bowynn-fu3nu]

No man is born slave and no man ever will. It is unjust by human nature and human natural condition and therefore whichever society either create it or allow it is going to crumble soon . Because it is perfectly unnatural and unjust . And it should be archaic already . A thing of the past which humankind will never go back again.

[@thomaswilliams8159]

Sandel elevates ideas of ultimate goodness and perfection, via Aristotle, and the concept of the telos, above more practical goals in resolving political issues, like reaching consensus, and determining what is a fair outcome of a particular political controversy. Aristotle's ideas are not favored by contemporary political philosophy discourse. It results in dysfunction, nonresolution and conflict in the body politic. I suggest taking a look at Richard Rorty's work, which entails a more enlightened view of these topics. Particularly good is his 1990 lecture at Carleton College, entitled Ethics of Principle vs Sensitivity. Search youtube for this.

[@mulukusimushi6637]

Great lecture

[@TahomaNavajo-m1u]

VERY GOOD

[@gazelle1991]

I feel like if you were truly a "fit" to be a janitor, you would not want anything else. So if you wanted a different vocation, you weren't a fit for being a janitor in the first place.

[@richardbittencourt8515]

Hi pretty how are you doing today? You look charming

[@arabidinatalov200]

Who is from 2021?

[@michaeljfigueroa]

I enjoyed this talk quite a bit

[@1290DR]

Does Aristoteles define what it means "to fit" to a certain position? If I am physically and intellectually fitting but don't want to fit, does it still mean I fit?

[@OrchestrationOnline]

Prof. Sandel has exactly the same speech patterns as Sam Waterston - the same arc of vocal tone, the same accent, the same slight quaver and lisp.

[@guptanishant001]

great lecture

[@mehdibaghbadran3182]

If your minds, in pressure, then all your body’s feels uncomfortable!

[@rajgiri7533]

I am agree on fundamental values are essential

[@eagillum]

The teleological purpose of a woman up until very recently was to bear children. "Purpose" is nothing but a social construct made up of old ideas and stubborn people who don't want to accept change. The old golfer pros should've shown leadership and opened their arms to the guy. Aristotle was disingenuous by using the example of the flute. Nobody's going to fight over a flute. He should've used money and said, "what is money for?". Then his argument would've fallen apart because everyone can prove that they can spend money the best.

[@ilcuzzo12]

Not everyone spends money equally.

[@eagillum]

@@ilcuzzo12 well what's your definition of equally?

[@ilcuzzo12]

@@eagillum Well I agree with your point about women. But I don't think it's appropriate to compare the purpose of a person to the purpose of a thing. I think a person has to find their own purpose. I don't think it's appropriate for anyone to dictate what another person's purpose is. This gets into messy territory but, we can look to the problems of the "rational actor" economic theory. I can spend my money on drugs or expensive food because I want to. But is it a "good" way to spend my money? Would it be better if I didn't buy drugs and ate hamburgers so that I could donate the rest of that amount of money to a worthy cause? Is there a moral or immoral use of money? You might say that it doesn't matter since I can do with my money what I please. Arguing and proving are two very different things. Or you could just say that the purpose of money is to be a medium of exchange... money can actually be used for several different goals.

[@eagillum]

@@ilcuzzo12 well whether you agree it's appropriate or not, people were still attributing purpose to groups/classes/ races of people. Are you saying golf does have an legitimately objective purpose? Of course, a key or a doorknob have purposes, and I understand a flute does too, but what about an activity?

[@ilcuzzo12]

@@eagillum To the extent that it happened, I think it was wrong. I'm not sure about an activity. Some activities can have clear purposes and others may be more ambiguous.The objective purpose for most sports is a combination of enjoyment and a way to show physical excellence... I think?

[@cmatrix4761]

I love this series lol

[@boniknik1981]

Walking is not an essential part of the game of Golf, if it was, then why aren't they scoring or disqualifying based on walks?

[@सुधीर-प2द]

Can anyone recommend another good video series like this on KZbin . thanks!

[@levizjaperdije8499]

andrew Huberman lab, or robert sapolsky lectures about biology

[@सुधीर-प2द]

@@levizjaperdije8499 Thanks Buddy

[@ricardosantos6721]

Jordan Peterson has 2 long ones super thought provoking, also John Vervaeke has a long one, but it is like way beyond phd level, not like just out of high school Bsc, like this one, so buckle up Dorothy.

[@सुधीर-प2द]

@@ricardosantos6721 Thank you !

[@tianglade]

This teacher has a unique way to captivate the Students and I 😂😂😂 I enjoy this Class!!! Fall 2023 is here😮

[@tushartyagi3786]

Wow i got experience of howard

[@junseokkim4742]

I think it is necessary to check if the disabled golfer didn't use a cart when he was taking PGA golf pro test. If he had passed the test without using a golf cart, he would not be able to use that in the PGA games. However, if the situation had been reverse, he would be allowed to use a cart in the games.

[@drkarenbukharibukhari9931]

This lecture was acting facts actually in 🇬🇧 2023