Michael Sandel's Moral Obligation For An Engaged Citizen

A young woman walks past a businessman who is arguing with a homeless woman. Whilst hearing him yell awful slurs about the homeless’ way of living, the young lady is confused as to why he is not offering the homeless woman help. Unlike the businessman, the young woman understands that because he is a part of a unified democracy, it should be his moral obligation to donate to those in need whenever possible. A moral engaged citizen is someone who is not only dedicated to the wellbeing of his or her democracy as a whole, but actively participates to maintain it. Without active engagement, there is a lack of unity of people that a democracy is centered around. The people are in control of the democracy, and direct involvement allows not only knowledge
Michael J. Sandel claims, “A just society distributes these goods (income and wealth, duties and rights, powers and opportunities, and officers and honors) in the right way; it gives each person his or her dues” (8). He makes it a point that each person must receive dues. This is because when the citizens participate in civic duties such as voting and serving on a jury, it is taken in account that all people have been able to exercise their opinions. Communication is key in a democracy, and by exchanging and pondering others opinions that they believe to be moral, a democracy is able to achieve communication from all of it’s citizens. Cornel West similarly states, “There must be prescribed forms of accountability for institutions that have a disproportionate amount of wealth, power, and influence” (125). The citizens of a democracy must be accountable for their role in society to keep it as one unified system. Citizens are liable and loyal to their democracy, and by completing their civic duties, they are able to allow growth and development of the representative government that they are a part of by providing opinions and what they believe is morally correct. It is morally correct to volunteer as well, because it provides for other citizens in
Cornel West claims, “Any civilization that is unable to sustain its networks of caring and nurturing will generate enough anger and aggression to make communication near impossible” (125). An active participant of a representative government cares enough for other citizens that he or she feels the need to assist them in any way possible. Taking time out of one’s day to lend a hand to an organization in need allows growth necessary for a democracy to function. It shows that it’s citizens want to be united and prosper. It is never unjust to assist when needed, because it creates a bond that brings the democracy closer together. Michael J. Sandel states, “Prosperity matters… because it contributes to our welfare. To explore this idea, we turn to utilitarianism, the most influential account of how and why… we seek the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers” (9). Prosperity is necessary because it leads to a higher purchase power and greatly profits a democracy. With a democracy full of hatred, it is more than likely that it is unstable because ideas are drowned out by ignorance. By selflessly volunteering, not only does it aid a direct problem, but also distributes balance of ability and prosperity amidst a community. Donating also contribute to the idea of a balance, but more importantly, eliminates