Final answer:
Michael Sandel and other philosophers like John Rawls and Habermas, as well as figures from the history of American political thought, argue that a just society requires more than just fair conditions of choice; it must also address the well-being of citizens, free speech, community interest, and structural inequalities, all rooted in egalitarian principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Michael Sandel critiques the notion that freedom of choice under fair conditions is an adequate basis for a just society. Philosophers like John Rawls suggest that a just society should uphold not only human freedom but also prioritize the well-being of its citizens. Rawls's A Theory of Justice formulates principles that accommodate the importance of social welfare alongside the value of freedom. The two principles he highlights are the liberty principle, which advocates for equal basic rights and liberties, and the difference principle, which allows for social and economic inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged and offer equal opportunities to everyone.
Habermas also contributes to the discourse by emphasizing the importance of democratic rights such as free speech and the capacity of communicative action to influence political landscapes. Additionally, Plato argues that government should transcend personal gains, focusing on what is best for the community to achieve justice. Echoing Plato's sentiment, Socrates' analogy of the just city in The Republic, demonstrates that justice is intertwined with societal happiness and success. American political thought, as expressed by figures like Thomas Jefferson, acknowledges the importance of balanced representation of citizens' will for liberty and happiness, hinting at the necessity of not just fairness but active participation and occasional dissent to nurture a thriving society.
These philosophical viewpoints converge on the idea that a just society transcends mere procedural fairness; it also requires deep engagement with equity, communal well-being, and the formation of systems that address structural inequalities firmly rooted in the concept of egalitarianism.