The eminent Harvard political philosopher Michael Sandel brings his trademark style to a discussion on a current issue, questioning the thinking underlying a current controversy This week, he takes a provocative look at the controversial subject of incentivising good health. 

Michael Sandel has been enthralling students at Harvard for years. These discussions - recorded in front of an audience at the London School of Economics - bring his trademark style to Radio 4. They're challenging, outspoken and interactive. 

Sandel turns his attention to health and ponders whether the present constraints on the NHS leave us with no choice but to bribe people to be healthy. Profound moral questions lie behind paying people to lose weight, quit smoking or abandon alcohol. Michael Sandel weaves through these issues with the help of philosophers past and present. 


Producer: Adele Armstrong. Published on April 17, 2012.

Should we bribe people to be healthy?

Michael Sandel: The Public Philosopher

Political philosopher Professor Michael Sandel challenges an audience to apply some critical thinking to issues people usually rely on instinct to resolve. Recorded at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Professor Sandel debates issues such as education, social equality and healthcare.