Michael J. Sandel's What Money Can’t Buy offers a compelling critique of market-driven societies, sparking thoughtful debate on the moral limits of markets. Praised for its accessible prose and philosophical depth, some readers find it repetitive and overly idealistic. Nonetheless, it succeeds in provoking critical reflection on the commodification of life’s essentials.

Readers who enjoyed Michael Sandel's Justice or Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow will appreciate What Money Can't Buy. It appeals to those interested in ethics, philosophy, and the moral limits of markets, sparking critical thoughts on society’s commodification. Ideal for academics, policymakers, and thoughtful citizens.

What Money Can’t Buy by Michael J. Sandel critiques the pervasive influence of market values on societal institutions and values, questioning the morality of commodifying nonmarket spheres like health, education, and public services. Through various examples, Sandel urges a societal reevaluation of what should and shouldn't be for sale, emphasizing the need for public discourse on the limits of markets.

Informative / Contemplative / Challenging

- What Money Can't Buy by Michael J. Sandel explores the moral implications of market-driven societies, questioning where the line should be drawn when it comes to ethics versus economics.
- Sandel is a well-known philosopher and a professor at Harvard University, where he has taught political philosophy since 1980.

**Michael Sandel**  
A political philosopher and Harvard professor known for his critiques of economic and societal privilege, and his concerns about the commercialization of nonmarket spaces.

**Greg Mankiw**  
An economic theorist who supports free-market values, arguing that market practices ensure resources reach those who value them most through supply and demand.

**Barbara Harris**  
The founder of Project Prevention, a charity offering cash incentives for birth control to addicts, which raises ethical concerns about financial incentivization.

**Richard Titmuss**  
A British sociologist who studied blood donation systems, comparing charitable donations in Britain to paid donations in America, highlighting the impact of market values on civic behavior.

Michael J. Sandel

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Introduction

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Chapter 1: “Jumping the Queue”

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Chapter 2: “Incentives”

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Chapter 3: “How Markets Crowd Out Morals”

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Chapter 4 What Money Can't Buy Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 What Money Can't Buy Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

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What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets

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