Michael Sandel
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Michael Sandel (1953-) is a contemporary political philosopher. He is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government at Harvard University. Sandel subscribes to the theory of communitarianism, and in this vein he is perhaps best known for his critique of John Rawls's A Theory of Justice. Rawls' argument depends on the assumption of the veil of ignorance, which allows us to become "unencumbered selves."
Sandel's view is that we are by nature encumbered to an extent that makes it impossible even in the hypothetical to have such a veil. Some examples of such ties are the ties we make with our families, which we do not make by conscious choice but are born with them already attached. Because they are not consciously applied, these ties are impossible to separate from someone. Sandel believes that only a less-restrictive, looser version of the veil of ignorance can be possible. Rawls's argument, however, depends on the fact that the veil is restrictive enough that we make decisions without knowing who will be affected by these decisions, which of course is impossible if we are already attached to people in the world.
Sandel has taught the famous "Justice" course at Harvard for two decades. "Justice," conducted in Sanders Theater, is the first and only moral philosophy and reasoning class most Harvard undergraduates take. More than 10,000 students have taken the course, making it one of the most highly attended in Harvard's history. Sandel also teaches "Ethics and Biotechnology," a seminar considering the ethical implications of a variety of biotechnological procedures and possibilities.
Sandel currently serves on the President's Council on Bioethics.