Lecture Notes on Meritocracy and Justice

Introduction

• Building Set-Up: Not designed for microphones, but enhances communication.
• Warm Welcome: Concludes the 120th anniversary programming, focusing on future issues of Rhodes scholarship.
• Recognitions: Acknowledgments of scholars and volunteers, specifically mentioning Kenza Wils and Misba RI.
• Special Guest: Chancellor Lord Patton of Barnes.

Speaker Introduction

• Michael Sandel: Professor of Political Theory at Harvard University.
  • Notable Course: Justice has engaged and inspired many students (viewed by millions).
  • Author of multiple influential books, including "The Tyranny of Merit."

Discussion Format

• Debate/Lecture Style: A forum rather than a traditional lecture.

Key Topic: Meritocracy

• Fundamental Question of Justice: Who deserves what, and why?
  • Focus on distribution of income, wealth, power, opportunity, and honor.

John Stuart Mill's Proposal

• Proposal on Voting Rights: Advocated for a system of plural voting based on education.
  • Example: Unskilled workers get 1 vote; Professionals might get up to 6 votes.
  • Allowed educated individuals to potentially dominate voting power.
• Initial Reaction: Students largely opposed Mill’s proposal.

Responses to Mill's Proposal

• Jeffrey: Argues against Mill due to inequality in access to education, making the voting system unjust.
• Fion: Highlights that democracy should represent all strata of society.
• Mike: Questions the feasibility of establishing qualifications for voting.
  • Critiques the concept as impractical based on historical examples.

Current State of Representation

• Educational Profiles in Government: 30-35% of citizens hold university degrees, whereas up to 90% of government officials have degrees.
• Reaction to Statistics: Varied opinions on whether this disparity is objectionable.

Open Discussion

• Emma: Sees value in representation by the educated but questions whether it is the best system for democracy.
• Serene: Critiques the notion that education equates to capability in governance, promoting life experiences as equally valuable.
• David: Warns against granting more power to educated elites, advocating for equal voting rights as a check against self-interest governance.

Summary of Arguments

• Arguments Against Mill’s Proposal:

  • Inequality in education access.
  • Need for representation from diverse backgrounds.
  • Risks of self-interest among educated elites.

• Arguments For Current System:

  • Preference for educated individuals but acknowledges need for broader representation.
  • Belief in the educational value of leadership.

• Reflective Questions: How do we balance education and experience in governance?