Session #26 - Is Meritocracy a good thing, or is it creating a new tyranny?

“credentialism is the last acceptable prejudice. In the United States and Europe, disdain for the poorly educated is more pronounced (...) than prejudice against other disfavored groups”
Michael J. Sandel - The Tyranny of Merit.

(In english!)

Modern societies increasingly celebrate meritocracy — the idea that talent and effort should determine success. In principle, this seems logical: those who contribute more through their effort or abilities should secure a better life for themselves.

Yet meritocracy has many critics. Some argue that it simply does not work or is broken. Others go further: even if it worked perfectly, it would still be unfair — and potentially oppressive.
In The Tyranny of Merit, Michael J. Sandel, an american philosopher, argues that this belief system has quietly reshaped modern societies, fueling resentment, individualism, a loss of solidarity, and even contributing to the rise of radical political movements.

Introduction of guests (15 minutes)
We start with a short introduction of the guests with the question:

• Have you ever achieved something difficult in your career?
• How proud do you feel about it?

Questions (1 hour and 45 minutes)

1. Do you think meritocracy actually exists?
2. Do you feel you truly deserve everything you have today?
3. Have you ever worked hard and still failed?
4. If success is deserved, does failure become deserved too?
5. Do you believe people who struggle are mostly responsible for their situation?
6. Can a society be both highly competitive and compassionate?
7. Should a CEO earn 100 times more than an employee?
8. Does a person’s market value reflect their social contribution or moral worth?
9. Does meritocracy unite or divide society?
10. Should policies aim for equality of outcomes, rather than only equality of opportunity?
11. Do you think meritocracy encourages humility or arrogance?
12. Do working-class voters feel represented by today’s progressive politicians? Why or why not?
13. What happens in a society where everyone has reached their “deserved” position? What happens to those at the bottom?
14. If you are a hardworking person, is that something you built — or something you were lucky to become?

***

### Thought Experiments

• Two children: one born into wealth, one into poverty
• Two worlds: one aristocratic, one meritocratic

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