In short, the meritocratic system is built on a series of non sequiturs. We train and segregate people by ability in one setting, and then launch them into very different settings.

Consider a manager selecting between two applicants, the first with a Harvard degree and the second without. Even if the manager has learned that the second applicant is more qualified for the job, in many workplaces it would be more prudent for the manager to choose the first applicant. If the manager passes up the first applicant in favor of the

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Another interesting fact about the public’s relationship to meritocracy is that they often see it as a form of moral entitlement . You, as an individual, have been wronged if you are not given ‘a fair chance’- and quite possibly more than a chance- to rise to the rank your talents imply. Almost no political philosopher- whether libertarian,... See more