In this exciting dialogue, two of the world's most influential thinkers reflect on the value of equality and discuss what citizens and governments should do to narrow the gaps that divide us.
In their writings covering economics, philosophy, history, and current affairs, Thomas Piketty and Michael Sandel examine how far we have come in achieving greater equality. At the same time, they are directly confronted with the severe gaps that still exist in wealth, income, power and status at the national leveland global.
What to do in the face of deep political instability and environmental crisis? Piketty and Sandel agree on a lot: more inclusive investments in health and education, higher progressive taxes, curbing the political influence of the rich, and market excesses. But how far and how fast can we go?Should we prioritize physical or social change? What are the odds of any change at all given the resurgence of nationalist forces? How should the left deal with values such as patriotism and local solidarity when they conflict with the challenges of mass migration and global climate change?The vision of Piketty and Sandel grappling with these and other problems is a glimpse of new possibilities for change and justice, but it is also the immutable fact that progress toward greater equality does not come quickly or without deep social conflict and political struggle.
