The Public Philosopher

In 2015, a range of events takes place across the UK commemorating the 750th anniversary of the first Westminster parliament and 800 years since the sealing of Magna Carta. These landmark moments underpinned the establishment of Parliamentary democracy and the legal system in the UK and around the world.

Michael Sandel, professor of Government at Harvard University, is known globally for the rigour he brings to the great ethical and philosophical questions of our time. He skilfully and entertainingly uses live audiences to help address such questions in his popular BBC series The Public Philosopher. In a special edition of The Public Philosopher, recorded in the Palace of Westminster as part of the BBC’s Democracy Day, he explores the nature and limits of democracy.

The BBC also turns the spotlight on itself, opening up several of its main decision making meetings to public scrutiny and broadcasting them live. It invites listeners worldwide to comment and contribute to the day's output.