A análise crítica de Michael Sandel sobre a sociedade contemporânea

: o escrutínio da neutralidade

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the thinking of philosopher Michael Sandel. It constitutesan analysis of his main works, published over the course of the last 30 years, seeking to systematize and relate his various reflections. The main question guiding this investigation is to discover if, within Sandel’s thought, there is a common elemento, working as the connector of all his intellectual production on political philosophy. The analysis is divided into three parts. The first one is dedicated to contemporary liberalism, considered by the author to be the predominant chain of public philosophy in North American society at the end of the 20th century. In this part, contemporary liberalism’s main characteristics are presented, as well as the major criticisms that the author addresses to it. The concept of neutrality is found at the center of his critical analysis. The second part builds on Michael Sandel's analysis of political economy and the evolution of public debate throughout American history. It addresses how, regarding this matter, the author identifies the growth of an aspiration to neutrality similar to the one present within contemporary liberalism. In it, the most important manifestation of neutrality takes place within keynesian economics. The third part explores the author's critical analysis of the expansion of market thinking to different areas of social life in the 21st century. The main criticisms of the author against the growth of market thinking are articulated based on the issue of neutrality. Thus, a systematic connection among the author's thought on all the addressed matters in this investigation, is found, with neutrality acting as the main common element. In the end, the critical reflection developed throughout the investigation is linked to the contemporary democratic period and to how, according to Michael Sandel, neutrality is at the origin of the current democratic discontent.

Date of Award	5 Jan 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Hugo Chelo (Supervisor)