Paul Sagar

Paul Sagar, a political theorist who studies the history of political thought, explores Adam Smith as moral philosopher and historian. He discusses Smith’s tension between sympathy and market behavior. They probe what a commercial society really means, the moral costs of markets, how institutions curb elite capture, and why history and psychology matter for political change.

Paul Sagar, political theorist and writer who studies thinkers like Bernard Williams and Judith Shklar. He probes whether politics should prioritize legitimacy, order and preventing the worst over ideal justice. He explores how persuasion, propaganda and context shape legitimate rule. He also outlines Shklar’s case that minimizing cruelty is central to liberalism.

Dr. Paul Sagar, a Reader in Political Theory at King's College London, shares his insights on philosophy and political equality, shaped by his experience with tetraplegia after a climbing accident. He delves into the often-misunderstood works of Adam Smith, advocating for a nuanced interpretation. The discussion touches on the complex interplay of hope and acceptance following tragedy and the importance of personal choice in life and death matters. Sagar also examines the challenges of democracy in increasingly tribal societies, calling for greater inclusivity and understanding.