WHAT MONEY CAN'T BUY The Moral Limits of Markets

Should prisoners be able to buy cell upgrades? Michael Sandel initiates debate on the ethics of "market triumphalism." The author's reading of his own work is occasionally monotonous, but his questions about such things as carbon trading, sterilizing women for cash, and paying for good grades are intriguing. Talk of sports naming rights and ads on foreheads can be comical. When he discusses modern variants on life insurance, listeners may get a little nervous. Some listeners may not share Sandel's hard line on the market. After all, how many people nowadays are upset by gift cards? Even so, it's likely everyone will have a few points to ponder after hearing his thoughts. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2012]