We did not have time for a reflection session on this, as 20 May 2015 was the last formal session of term, and the next session in September is too far off. Anyone interested in a little reflection while it is still in our thoughts?
I'm sorry I missed the last session. It was the climax of the book. Did the group draw any conclusions?
Rereading the final chapter, I find I'm in agreement with Sandel on a lot of things.
"Justice is inescapably judgemental - a judgement about the right way to value things."
I liked the quote from Robert Kennedy about GDP including managing jails and producing napalm but excluding the health of our children and the joy of their play. "It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning. It measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile".
Finally I thought his points on civic solidarity and moral engagement were very well put. The UK political parties could well build on these thoughts - e.g. to deal with inequality by taxing the rich - not to subsidize the poor - but to invest in civic infrastructure that all can enjoy and which brings us together. NHS, education, public transport, parks and libraries and shared spaces. I'll pass this thought onto the LibDems.
