Michael Sandel Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Michael Sandel is a globally recognized philosopher and a celebrated professor at Harvard University. Known for making complex philosophical concepts accessible to the public, Sandel captivates audiences around the world with his engaging style and deep insights into contemporary moral and political dilemmas. Born in Minneapolis in 1953, Sandel grew up in Los Angeles, where he first developed a keen sense for questioning the world around him. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Brandeis University before becoming a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he completed his doctorate in political philosophy. Sandel’s career took root at Harvard in 1980, where he quickly became one of the most revered educators on campus. His legendary course, "Justice," was the first Harvard course to be made available online and has reached tens of millions globally, highlighting Sandel's belief that philosophical ideas should be discussed outside the confines of the university. The course challenges students to examine theories of justice, morality, and ethics, encouraging critical thought about our civic responsibilities. A prolific author, Sandel has written several bestselling books including "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?", "The Case Against Perfection," and "What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets." His work explores the intersection of philosophy with practical questions in ethics, politics, and economics. Sandel argues that markets and market-based reasoning should not govern social practices, prompting important conversations about where to draw the line between market influence and moral considerations. Sandel’s voice extends well beyond academia. His thoughts on civic life, the role of morality in politics, and the responsibilities of citizenship have earned him a reputation as a “rock star” philosopher. He frequently engages with audiences all over the world through public debates, lectures, and discussions, proving again and again that philosophy is not just an academic subject, but a crucial part of public discourse. Through his teachings and writings, Sandel continues to inspire a more thoughtful and reflective engagement with the challenges and opportunities of modern society.