https://www.unige.ch/lejournal/evenements/a-la-une/why-inequality-matters-today-reflections-in-the-spirit-of-rousseau/

Why Inequality Matters Today ? Reflections in the Spirit of Rousseau

Lecture by Michael J. Sandel, organized by the Société Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in partnership with the University of Geneva and the Greek daily newspaper To Víma

Tuesday, 3 February 2026
18h30
Palais de l’Athénée (Rue de l'Athénée 2, 1205 Genève), Salle des Abeilles

In Rousseau's city, Michael Sandel proposes to present his new discourse on the origin of inequality among men. He will examine its foundations and its pernicious effects. He will examine the relationship between justice and the common good and debunk the illusions of a utilitarian conception of justice. He will link freedom and equality, arguing that one cannot be truly free in an unequal society.

Following Michael J. Sandel's lecture, a recorded dialogue with Kyriákos Pierrakákis, Greek Minister of Economy and Finance and President of the Eurogroup, moves from diagnosis to levers for action. Sandel questions how unequal societies erode dignity, civic trust, and democratic voice, as well as why the meritocratic promise can slide into moral judgment. Pierrakákis brings the perspective of a public policymaker: rebuilding fairness through tax reform, public investment, and a digital state. Together, they treat inequality as both a moral challenge and a test of governance for Europe and beyond.

Conference in English (without simultaneous interpretation)
Free admission, no registration required, subject to availability

Following the conference, Payot bookstore will be selling a selection of Michael J. Sandel's books on site:
« Justice. What’s the Right thing to do? », New York, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009.
« Justice », trad. fr., Paris, Albin Michel, coll. Espaces libres, 2016.
« Ce que l’égalité veut dire », avec Thomas Piketty, Paris, Seuil, 2025.
« La Tyrannie du mérite », Paris, Albin Michel, 2021.