Renowned political philosopher set to speak at Augustana

One of the world’s leading political philosophers will join Augustana on Oct. 26 to headline the university’s inaugural Critical Inquiry and Citizenship Colloquium. 

Michael Sandel, Harvard University’s Anne T. and Robert M. Bass professor of government,will speak at the colloquium about topics relevant to life as an American amidst issues of polarization and inequality. 

“He’s not some stuffy, boring academic who speaks in difficult jargon,” Stephen Minister, an Augustana philosophy professor, said. “He speaks very plainly so people can understand.” 

A New York Times best-selling author, Sandel published “Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?” in 2009, which Minister uses in his course titled “Ethics in America.” The book discusses how philosophy can help Americans better understand politics and morality. 

Sandel’s book “The Tyranny of Merit: What’s Become of the Common Good?” is currently in the Center for Western Studies for students to pick up before Sandel’s visit. 

Along with writing and teaching, Sandel also gives lectures around the world. According to Harvard University, he has spoken to 14,000 people in an outdoor stadium in South Korea and filled other well-known venues, including the Sydney Opera House in Australia and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Sophomore Jorgen Hansen, a history major, said he plans to see Sandel speak because he noticed the event posters. “The Tyranny of Merit” caught his attention. 

“We live in a merit-based society and grew up in that, so anything differing from the norm is, by definition, radical,” Hansen said. “Maybe they aren’t radical ideas, but that’s why I’m going because you need to hear out different viewpoints.” 

Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock’s donation supported the creation of Augustana’s first Critical Inquiry and Citizenship Colloquium. 

Dean Buntrock grew up in Columbia, South Dakota, and is the former CEO and founder of Waste Management Inc. His philanthropy has supported many institutions, including his alma mater St. Olaf College. 

After receiving the Buntrocks’ donation in spring 2023 and partnering with the Center for Western Studies, members of the president’s council quickly landed on Sandel to be the inaugural speaker because of his experience with critical inquiry. 

Interim Provost Joel Johnson said the process of procuring a well-known speaker like Sandel would usually need to start a year or two in advance. However, the university procured Sandel within three months.

Johnson, who wrote his dissertation under the guidance of Sandel, said students should expect this event to be interactive. Much of the discussion will be built upon the questions and thoughts of the audience. 

Johnson worked closely with Sandel at Harvard University on Sandel’s course “Justice,” which is available for free online and enrolls between 700-800 students each semester.  

“He gets that group of hundreds of students interacting with each other, and I think something similar will happen here,” Johnson said. 

Junior Norah Grace DeBoer wants to see Sandel speak because he covers her two major interests: philosophy and government. 

“I think he has some interesting perspectives on justice and civil liberties and how people should be treated,” DeBoer said. 

She’s also excited to hear from a living political philosopher and see how people of the past have shaped Sandel’s views.

Hansen said he hopes this colloquium will convince him to look more into Sandel’s ideas and gain a new understanding and perspective. 

“Different viewpoints are important and we should always have differing viewpoints, no matter if you agree or disagree,” Hansen said. 

Both Johnson and Minister said students should not miss this event. 

“We as Americans have a lot we need to think about politically and ethically for how we get along, and I think [Sandel] could really help us do that,” Minister said. 

Johnson said he knows students are busy, but the colloquium is an experience that people will likely think and talk about well after the event is over. Johnson hopes students will pose the same questions Sandel brings up to their friends and further the discussion. 

Since Sandel presents in an interactive way, students should come with an open mind and be ready to share their ideas with the audience to get the most out of this experience. 

“Come prepared to talk. Come prepared to lean forward, to raise your hand, to be ready to participate,” Johnson said. “It will be even more rewarding if everyone puts up the courage to do that.”

Sandel’s keynote talk will take place in the Elmen Center at 7 p.m. on Oct. 26 with a book signing to follow the presentation. The public can receive free tickets to the event at the Center for Western Studies or at augie.edu/CICCTickets.