Michael Sandel's Essay: Does Money Possible To Buy?

As Michael Sandel explains, we live in a society where money can buy many things. For example. If you were to be unfortunate enough to sentenced to jail in Santa Barbara california, you are able to utilize money in order to upgrade to a better cell. In fact it is even possible to contract private military contracts. However, Michael sanders then explains why their are some things that money cannot or should not be able to buy. He gives many examples and arguments, that I mostly agree with, concerning the issue of what money cannot or should not be able to buy. One of the examples he gives, is the example of being able to buy wedding speeches and apologies. He claims that although it is possible to buy these speeches, it should not be …show more content…
One of the objections stated was certain exchanges are not truly free and can be coerced due to inequality and unfairness in our society. So even if someone consents to an exchange they may have had no other choice. I agree with this argument, because their are certain exchanges which are out of necessity rather than want. For example, one of the example given in class was that if you were being robbed and given the option to give up your possessions in exchange for your life and being left unharmed. You still have a choice, but it is not a fair or truly free. This can apply to other situations as well. For example, assuming the only way to get water is to pay the government, then it is not really a fair exchange and is similar to being robbed but less apparent. You can choose not to buy the water, but if their is no other way to acquire it then you would eventually die. The point is not that water can not be bought with money but if the exchange is not truly free then it is morally wrong. For example price gouging in areas after a natural disaster prevents access to certain resources leaving you dependent on vendors and at their