
On March 12, 2025, Harvard University’s Professor Michael Sandel gave the last lecture of his three-part series at Peking University. He had some strong words to say about Meritocracy. People often think of it as a fair system that gives everyone a chance, but Sandel argued that it can actually be a way of ruling that keeps the rich and powerful in charge and makes people feel like they’re lucky.
2025年3月12日,哈佛大學教授Michael Sandel在北京大學發表了他三部分系列的最後一場講座。 關於任人唯賢,他有一些強有力的話要說。 人們經常認為這是一個公平的制度,給每個人一個機會,但Sandel認為,它實際上可以是一種讓富人和有權勢的人掌權的統治方式,讓人們覺得自己很幸運。
In a bold move, the Professor Michael Sandel challenged the audience’s assumptions by posing thought-provoking questions. He asked, ‘Does the winner truly deserve their success?’ and ‘Should a world-famous pop star earn more than an inspiring high school teacher?’ These questions sparked deep reflection on the moral and social implications of a system based on merit. Professor Bai Tongdong from Fudan University’s School of Philosophy joined Sandel for a lively discussion, moderated by Associate Professor Chen Siyi from the PKU Department of Philosophy. Together, they explored the pressures of achievement in modern society from the perspective of ordinary people.
演講者大膽地提出了發人深省的問題,挑戰了聽眾的假設。 他問道:「獲勝者真的配得上他們的成功嗎?」 和「一個世界著名的流行歌星應該比一個鼓舞人心的高中老師賺得更多嗎?」 這些問題引發了對基於優點的制度的道德和社會影響的深刻反思。 復旦大學哲學學院的白童東教授與桑德爾一起進行了熱烈的討論,由普華大學哲學系的陳思怡副教授主持。 他們一起從普通人的角度探討了現代社會成就的壓力。
MS Word's Copilot makes the YouTube summary:
當然可以!以下是YouTube講座《贏家真的值得他們的成功嗎?》的逐段綜合摘要,主講人是Michael Sandel,這是北京大學全球學術交流系列的一部分。
介紹
活動由哲學系副教授C Chen介紹。這是Michael Sandel教授的第三次也是最後一次講座,重點討論了功績主義的問題。前兩次講座討論了基因工程和人工智能的倫理問題,涉及競爭、分配、生產力、效率、公平、正義、愛、同情和憐憫等主題1。
開場白
Michael Sandel教授提出了一個挑戰功績主義的挑釁性問題,並探討了“功績暴政”的概念。他質疑功績如何從一個通常被認為是好事的東西變成一種暴政2。
功績主義的角色
Sandel討論了功績主義如何加深贏家和輸家之間的分歧,並導致社會的兩極化。他解釋說,那些成功的人往往認為他們的成功完全是由自己的努力所致,而那些掙扎的人則被視為應得其命運3。
機會平等
Sandel使用比賽的比喻來探討機會平等的概念。他質疑一個真正公平的比賽,所有人都擁有相同的優勢,是否會導致一個公正的社會。他邀請觀眾思考這樣的比賽的贏家是否真的值得他們的獎賞4。
觀眾互動
Sandel與觀眾互動,詢問他們的意見,是否在一個完全公平的比賽中,贏家值得他們的成功。各種觀眾提供了他們的觀點,討論了隨機事件、作弊和天賦等因素5。
功績主義的影響
Sandel認為功績主義會導致成功者的傲慢和那些不成功者的失敗感。他將這與更廣泛的社會問題——兩極化和對精英的反感——聯繫起來6。
功績暴政
Sandel討論了功績主義如何不僅對輸家有害,對贏家也有損害。他解釋說,成功的壓力會對個人的情感和心理健康造成影響7。
歷史背景
Sandel提供了歷史例子來說明他的觀點,例如19世紀末的勞工運動和二戰後建立的英國福利國家。他強調了運氣和社會條件在個人成功中的作用8。
結論
Sandel呼籲建立一個包括所有人的共同利益政治。他呼籲更多的公民參與,並創造超越競爭和物質成功的意義來源9。
與Professor B的討論
講座之後是Sandel教授與Professor B之間的討論,Professor B提供了對功績主義的不同觀點。Professor B承認功績主義的問題,但主張一種結合人民聲音和負責任精英的有同情心的精英主義10。
觀眾問答
活動以問答環節結束,觀眾提出了關於功績主義的影響以及如何應對其挑戰的問題。Sandel強調普通人需要組織起來,參與社會運動以帶來變革11。
希望這個摘要對你有幫助!如果你需要任何特定部分的更多詳細信息,請隨時告訴我。😊
Sure, I’d be happy to provide a comprehensive summary of the document section by section. The document appears to be a transcript of a YouTube lecture titled “Does the winner truly deserve their success?” with Michael Sandel, part of the PKU Global Fellowship series.
Introduction
The event is introduced by C Chen, an associate professor in the philosophy department. This is the third and final lecture by Professor Michael Sandel, focusing on the topic of meritocracy. The previous lectures discussed the ethics of genetic engineering and AI, touching on themes like competition, distribution, productivity, efficiency, fairness, justice, love, sympathy, and mercy1.
Opening Remarks
Professor Michael Sandel begins by proposing a provocative challenge to meritocracy, suggesting that there is such a thing as the “tyranny of merit.” He questions how merit, typically seen as a good thing, can become a form of tyranny2.
The Role of Meritocracy
Sandel discusses how meritocracy has deepened the divide between winners and losers, contributing to societal polarization. He explains that those who succeed often believe their success is solely due to their own efforts, while those who struggle are seen as deserving their fate3.
Equality of Opportunity
Sandel explores the concept of equality of opportunity, using the metaphor of a race. He questions whether a truly fair race, where everyone starts with the same advantages, would result in a just society. He invites the audience to consider whether the winners of such a race would truly deserve their winnings4.
Audience Interaction
Sandel engages with the audience, asking for their opinions on whether winners deserve their success even in a perfectly fair race. Various audience members provide their perspectives, discussing factors like random events, cheating, and inherent talents5.
The Impact of Meritocracy
Sandel argues that meritocracy can lead to arrogance among the successful and a sense of failure among those who do not succeed. He connects this to the broader societal issue of polarization and the backlash against elites6.
The Tyranny of Merit
Sandel discusses how meritocracy can be damaging not only to those who lose out but also to the winners. He explains that the pressure to succeed can take a toll on the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals7.
Historical Context
Sandel provides historical examples to illustrate his points, such as the labor movement in the late 19th century and the British welfare state established after World War II. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the role of luck and societal conditions in individual success8.
Conclusion
Sandel concludes by advocating for a politics of the common good that includes everyone, not just the elites. He calls for greater civic participation and the creation of sources of meaning beyond mere competition and material success9.
Discussion with Professor B
The lecture is followed by a discussion between Professor Sandel and Professor B, who offers a different perspective on meritocracy. Professor B acknowledges the problems with meritocracy but argues for a compassionate elitism that combines the voices of the people with those of responsible elites10.
Audience Q&A
The event concludes with a Q&A session, where audience members ask questions about the implications of meritocracy and how to address its challenges. Sandel emphasizes the need for ordinary people to organize and participate in social movements to bring about change11.
I hope this summary helps! If you need more details on any specific section, feel free to ask. 😊
以下是 麥可桑德爾「勝利者是否真正值得獲得成功?」講座「觀眾問答」部分中,各位觀眾問答的全面總結:
問題一:精英的態度
觀眾:第一個問題是關於菁英對待成功和普通人的態度。觀眾問,在等待菁英們改變態度的同時,一般人應該做些什麼。
麥可桑德爾的回應:桑德爾強調,普通人不應該只是忍受並等待菁英的改變。相反,他們應該組織起來,進行社會運動,參與公眾審議,以推動改變。他列舉了歷史上的例子,例如馬丁路德金恩向罷工的環衛工人發表講話,強調他們的工作的尊嚴。
問題二:虛無主義與菁英統治
觀眾:第二個問題涉及年輕人中的虛無主義問題,他們拒絕精英統治制度,但又努力尋找意義和目的。
麥可桑德爾的回應:桑德爾承認了這項挑戰,並建議社會需要創造超越單純競爭和勝利的意義來源。他強調公民參與和公共討論的重要性,以培養市場或技術本身無法提供的價值觀和意義。他強調需要更廣泛的、涵蓋所有人的公民教育。
Here is a comprehensive summary of each audience’s Q&A from the “Audience Q&A” section of the lecture “Does the winner truly deserve their success?” with Michael Sandel:
Question 1: Attitude of Elites
Audience Member: The first question was about the attitude of elites towards success and the ordinary people. The audience member asked what ordinary people should do while waiting for elites to change their attitudes.
Michael Sandel’s Response: Sandel emphasized that ordinary people should not just endure and wait for elites to change. Instead, they should organize themselves into social movements and participate in public deliberation to bring about change. He cited historical examples, such as Martin Luther King speaking to striking sanitation workers and emphasizing the dignity of their work1.
Question 2: Nihilism and Meritocracy
Audience Member: The second question addressed the issue of nihilism among young people who reject the meritocratic system but then struggle to find meaning and purpose.
Michael Sandel’s Response: Sandel acknowledged the challenge and suggested that societies need to create sources of meaning beyond mere competition and winning. He argued for the importance of civic participation and public discourse to cultivate values and meaning that cannot be provided by markets or technology alone. He emphasized the need for a broader civic education that includes everyone2.
問題三:人才的作用
觀眾:第三個問題是關於天賦在決定成功中的作用。這位觀眾認為,人們天生就有不同的能力和天賦,這使得他們在同一場比賽中競爭是不公平的。
麥可桑德爾的回應:桑德爾承認天賦確實是運氣的問題,而不是自身努力的結果。他解釋說,即使在完美的精英統治下,每個人都有平等的機會接受訓練和準備,最有運動天賦的人也可能獲勝。然而,這些禮物並不是個人的功勞,而是他們的好運,這挑戰了應得性的觀念。
問題 4:影響力與收入
觀眾:第四個問題是將泰勒絲這樣的當紅人物的收入與高中老師的收入進行比較。這位觀眾認為泰勒絲應該賺更多的錢,因為她激勵了數百萬人。
麥可桑德爾的回應:桑德爾質疑金錢是否應該衡量一個人對社會貢獻的價值。他認為,儘管收入差異,但教師的貢獻價值可能比名人更大。他強調,金錢並不能完全代表一個人根據其功績應得的回報。
問題 5:比賽的情緒影響
觀眾:第五個問題是激烈的競爭壓力對學生的情緒和心理影響。這位觀眾分享了他申請研究生時感到無助和絕望的親身經歷。
麥可桑德爾的回應:桑德爾承認菁英競爭對情緒和心理健康有破壞性的影響。他解釋說,即使是獲勝者也會對下一輪比賽感到持續的焦慮和壓力,這可能會打擊士氣。他強調需要找到更好的方式來創造一種充實、令人滿意的生活方式。
問題 6:菁英統治的替代方案
觀眾:第六個問題詢問了無止盡競爭循環的替代方案以及它對個人造成的破壞性影響。
麥可桑德爾的回應:桑德爾建議我們需要創造超越單純競爭和勝利的意義來源。他主張加強公民參與和公共討論,以培育市場或技術本身無法提供的價值觀和意義。他強調了認識運氣和社會條件在個人成功中的作用的重要性。
這些總結抓住了觀眾在問答環節提出的問題和桑德爾的回答的精髓。如果您需要更多詳細資訊或有任何其他疑問,請隨時詢問!
Question 3: The Role of Talent
Audience Member: The third question was about the role of talent in determining success. The audience member argued that people are born with different abilities and talents, which makes it unfair for them to compete in the same race.
Michael Sandel’s Response: Sandel acknowledged that natural talents are indeed a matter of luck and not the result of one’s own efforts. He explained that even in a perfect meritocracy, where everyone has equal access to training and preparation, the person with the greatest athletic gifts would likely win. However, these gifts are not the individual’s doing but rather their good luck, which challenges the idea of deservingness1.
Question 4: Influence and Earnings
Audience Member: The fourth question compared the earnings of a popular figure like Taylor Swift to those of a high school teacher. The audience member argued that Taylor Swift deserves to make more money because she inspires millions of people.
Michael Sandel’s Response: Sandel questioned whether money should measure the value of one’s contribution to society. He suggested that the value of a teacher’s contribution might be greater than that of a celebrity, despite the difference in earnings. He emphasized that money does not fully represent what a person deserves based on their merit2.
Question 5: Emotional Impact of Competition
Audience Member: The fifth question addressed the emotional and psychological impact of intense competitive pressures on students. The audience member shared personal experiences of feeling helpless and desperate while applying to graduate schools.
Michael Sandel’s Response: Sandel acknowledged the damaging effects of meritocratic competition on emotional and psychological well-being. He explained that even winners feel constant anxiety and pressure for the next round of competition, which can be demoralizing. He emphasized the need for a better way to create a fulfilling and satisfying mode of life3.
Question 6: Alternatives to Meritocracy
Audience Member: The sixth question asked about alternatives to the endless cycle of competition and the damaging effects it has on individuals.
Michael Sandel’s Response: Sandel suggested that we need to create sources of meaning beyond mere competition and winning. He argued for greater civic participation and public discourse to cultivate values and meaning that cannot be provided by markets or technology alone. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the role of luck and societal conditions in individual success4.
These summaries capture the essence of the audience’s questions and Sandel’s responses during the Q&A session. If you need more details or have any other questions, feel free to ask! 😊

演講的第二部分:對話與討論
從時間戳記 (01:11:34) 開始
介紹
活動的第二部分轉向了邁克爾·桑德爾教授和龐教授之間的對話和討論。龐教授表達了對學生英語水平的欽佩,並反思了他自己的經歷以及當前的精英主義狀況。
精英主義的批判
龐教授分享了他對精英主義的看法,承認其缺陷和經常代表的虛假平等。他討論了財富和知識的循環性,成功人士通過獲取資源和教育來延續他們的地位。
工作的尊嚴
龐教授挑戰了桑德爾教授對工作尊嚴的強調,舉例說明工人因自動化失去工作和鴉片危機。他質疑是否僅僅慶祝日常勞動就足以解決精英主義帶來的問題。
社群主義與現代社會
龐教授探討了社群主義的概念及其在現代社會中的相關性。他認為,雖然社群建設很重要,但在一個大型現代社會中,這可能不足以應對官僚主義和“深層國家”所扮演的角色。
平等與富有同情心的精英主義
龐教授倡導富有同情心的精英主義,即精英為大眾服務,並促進結合人民聲音與負責任領導的混合政體。他強調需要富有同情心和負責任的精英來解決精英主義的局限性。
桑德爾教授的回應
桑德爾教授回應說明了他對教育和不平等的立場。他認為擴大教育機會是有價值的,但不足以應對結構性不平等。他強調認識到工作的尊嚴並創造一個讓所有人都能繁榮的經濟的重要性。
技術與公共討論
桑德爾教授討論了技術在增強工作而非取代工作中的作用。他倡導對技術創新的方向進行公共討論,並讓工人參與這些討論。
歷史範例
桑德爾教授提供了歷史範例,如戰後英國的工黨政府,以說明普通工人如何對治理和社會改進做出有意義的貢獻。
最後的評論
桑德爾教授總結說,需要更廣泛的公民教育和公共話語,以創造超越精英競爭和市場驅動成功的價值來源。
觀眾問答
關於普通人解決方案的問題
一位觀眾問及對感到精英主義失望的普通人的解決方案。桑德爾教授回應說,強調組織社會運動和發展公民技能以參與公共生活並推動變革的重要性。
關於虛無主義和目的的問題
另一位觀眾提出了對拒絕精英主義後失去目的感的虛無主義的擔憂。桑德爾教授承認這一挑戰,強調通過公共話語和公民參與創造意義來源的必要性。
結束語
活動以象徵性的禮物送給桑德爾教授作為結束,表達了對他貢獻的友誼和感激之情4。
希望這個翻譯對你有幫助!如果你需要更多細節或有其他請求,隨時告訴我。😊
Sure, I’d be happy to help with that. Let’s dive into the second part of the speech by Professor Michael Sandel, which begins at the timestamp (01:11:34).
Second Part of Speech: Conversation and Discussion
Introduction
The second part of the event transitions into a conversation and discussion between Professor Michael Sandel and Professor Bong. Professor Bong expresses admiration for the students’ English proficiency and reflects on his own experiences and the current state of meritocracy1.
Critique of Meritocracy
Professor Bong shares his perspective on meritocracy, acknowledging its flaws and the fake equality it often represents. He discusses the cyclical nature of wealth and knowledge, where successful individuals perpetuate their status through access to resources and education1.
Dignity of Work
Professor Bong challenges Professor Sandel’s emphasis on the dignity of work, citing examples of workers losing jobs to automation and the opioid crisis. He questions whether celebrating everyday labor is a sufficient solution to the problems posed by meritocracy1.
Communitarianism and Modern Society
Professor Bong explores the idea of communitarianism and its relevance in modern society. He argues that while community-building is important, it may not be sufficient to address the challenges of a large, modern society where bureaucracy and the “deep state” play essential roles1.
Equality and Compassionate Elitism
Professor Bong advocates for compassionate elitism, where elites serve the masses and contribute to a mixed regime that combines people’s voices with responsible leadership. He emphasizes the need for compassionate and responsible elites to address the limitations of meritocracy1.
Professor Sandel’s Response
Professor Sandel responds by clarifying his stance on education and inequality. He argues that expanding access to education is valuable but not an adequate response to structural inequalities. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the dignity of work and creating an economy that allows all individuals to flourish1.
Technology and Public Deliberation
Professor Sandel discusses the role of technology in enhancing work rather than replacing it. He advocates for public deliberation on the direction of technological innovation and the involvement of working people in these discussions1.
Historical Examples
Professor Sandel provides historical examples, such as the labor government in post-war Britain, to illustrate the potential for ordinary working people to contribute meaningfully to governance and societal improvement1.
Final Remarks
Professor Sandel concludes by emphasizing the need for broader civic education and public discourse to create sources of meaning and value beyond meritocratic competition and market-driven success1.
Audience Q&A
Question on Solutions for Ordinary People
An audience member asks about solutions for ordinary people who feel disillusioned by meritocracy. Professor Sandel responds by highlighting the importance of organizing social movements and developing civic skills to participate in public life and drive change2.
Question on Nihilism and Purpose
Another audience member raises concerns about nihilism and losing purpose after rejecting meritocracy. Professor Sandel acknowledges the challenge and emphasizes the need to create sources of meaning through public discourse and civic engagement3.
Closing Remarks
The event concludes with a symbolic gift to Professor Sandel, expressing friendship and gratitude for his contributions4.
I hope this summary helps! If you need more details or have any other requests, feel free to ask. 😊

Prompt: Please elaborate the section: "Professor Sandel provides historical examples, such as the labor government in post-war Britain, to illustrate the potential for ordinary working people to contribute meaningfully to governance and societal improvement”, in detail.
桑德爾教授提供的歷史範例
戰後英國的工黨政府
桑德爾教授強調戰後英國的工黨政府是一個普通工人如何能夠顯著貢獻於治理和社會改進的典型例子。第二次世界大戰結束後,英國選民將溫斯頓·丘吉爾趕下台,並選出了由克萊門特·艾德禮擔任首相的工黨政府1。這個政府因其重大成就而聞名,特別是建立了英國福利國家。
主要成就
- 國民健康服務(NHS):工黨政府最著名的成就之一是1948年創建了NHS。這提供了免費的醫療服務,由稅收資助,並且至今仍是英國社會的基石1。
- 倫敦交通系統:工黨政府還建立了倫敦交通系統,包括倫敦地鐵的發展,這顯著改善了城市的公共交通1。
- 福利國家:除了醫療和交通,工黨政府還實施了各種社會福利計劃,旨在減少貧困並改善工人階級的生活水平1。
政府組成
這個例子特別引人注目的是工黨政府的組成。艾德禮內閣的七名成員是前煤礦工人和普通工人1。這些人雖然沒有大學學位,但在制定政策和做出決策方面發揮了重要作用,對英國社會產生了持久的積極影響。
對精英主義的影響
桑德爾教授用這個歷史例子來挑戰只有高度有資格的人才能有效治理的觀念。戰後英國工黨政府的成功表明,普通工人如果有機會,可以顯著貢獻於治理和社會改進1。這個例子強調了認識所有人的潛力和能力的重要性,無論他們的教育背景或社會地位如何。
結論
通過提供這個歷史例子,桑德爾教授強調需要創造一個包容的社會,讓每個人都有機會參與治理並為共同利益做出貢獻。這種方法不僅提高了治理質量,還促進了普通工人階級的尊嚴和目的感1。
希望這個詳細的闡述對你有幫助!如果你有更多問題或需要進一步的澄清,隨時告訴我。😊
Certainly! Let’s delve deeper into the section where Professor Michael Sandel discusses historical examples to illustrate the potential for ordinary working people to contribute meaningfully to governance and societal improvement.
Historical Examples by Professor Sandel
The Labor Government in Post-War Britain
Professor Sandel highlights the labor government in post-war Britain as a prime example of how ordinary working people can significantly contribute to governance and societal improvement. After World War II, the British electorate voted Winston Churchill out of office and brought in a labor government led by Prime Minister Clement Attlee1. This government is renowned for its substantial achievements, particularly in establishing the British welfare state.
Key Achievements
- National Health Service (NHS): One of the most notable accomplishments of the labor government was the creation of the NHS in 1948. This provided free healthcare at the point of use, funded by taxation, and remains a cornerstone of British society1.
- London Transportation System: The labor government also established the London transportation system, including the development of the London Underground, which significantly improved public transportation in the city1.
- Welfare State: Beyond healthcare and transportation, the labor government implemented various social welfare programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards for the working class1.
Composition of the Government
What makes this example particularly compelling is the composition of the labor government. Seven members of Attlee’s cabinet were former coal miners and ordinary working people1. These individuals, despite not having university degrees, played crucial roles in shaping policies and making decisions that had a lasting positive impact on British society.
Implications for Meritocracy
Professor Sandel uses this historical example to challenge the notion that only highly credentialed individuals can govern effectively. The success of the labor government in post-war Britain demonstrates that ordinary working people, when given the opportunity, can contribute meaningfully to governance and societal improvement1. This example underscores the importance of recognizing the potential and capabilities of all individuals, regardless of their educational background or social status.
Conclusion
By providing this historical example, Professor Sandel emphasizes the need to create an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to participate in governance and contribute to the common good. This approach not only enhances the quality of governance but also fosters a sense of dignity and purpose among ordinary working people1.
I hope this detailed elaboration helps! If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask. 😊

人工智能的倫理
The Ethics Of AI
"Will AI redefine what it means to be human?"
with Michael Sandel
PKU Global Fellowship
2025年3月11日,在關於基因工程的開幕講座之後,哈佛大學的Michael Sandel教授繼續他在北京大學的系列講座,在國際研究學院主辦的秋林演講廳又進行了兩次講座。
Following his opening lecture on Genetic Engineering, Professor Michael Sandel from Harvard University continued his series at Peking University with two additional talks at Qiulin Lecture Hall, hosted by the School of International Studies.
Sandel探討了人工智慧的深刻影響,向觀眾提出了一個發人深省的問題:人工智慧會重新定義做人的意義嗎?
Sandel tackled the profound implications of Artificial Intelligence, posing a thought-provoking question to the audience: Will AI redefine what it means to be human?
透過現實世界的例子——包括披頭士樂隊人工智慧輔助再現約翰·列儂未完成的歌曲,哈里森·福特在最新《奪寶奇兵》電影中的人工智慧抗衰老,以及人工智慧驅動的約會應用程式——桑德爾引發了一場關於人工智慧帶來的道德和哲學挑戰的引人入勝的討論。吳天月教授的見解和與觀眾的動態交流進一步豐富了對話,南興副教授擔任主持人。 兩位學者都是PKU哲學系的教師。
Through real-world examples — including TheBeatles’ AI-assisted recreation of John Lennon’s unfinished song, Harrison Ford’s AI-powered de-aging in the latest Indiana Jones film, and AI-driven dating apps — Sandel sparked an engaging discussion on the ethical and philosophical challenges posed by AI.The conversation was further enriched by insights from Professor Wu Tianyue and a dynamic exchange with the audience, with Associate Professor Nan Xing serving as moderator. Both scholars are faculty members of the PKU Department of Philosophy.
