The Theory of Moral SentimentsThe foundation for a general system of morals, this 1749 work is a landmark in the history of moral and political thought. Readers familiar with Adam Smith from The Wealth of Nations will find this earlier book a revelation. Although the author is often misrepresented as a calculating rationalist who advises the pursuit of self-interest in the marketplace, regardless of the human cost, he was also interested in the human capacity for benevolence — as The Theory of Moral Sentiments amply demonstrates. The greatest prudence, Smith suggests, may lie in following economic self-interest in order to secure the basic necessities. This is only the first step, however, toward the much higher goal of achieving a morally virtuous life. Smith elaborates upon a theory of the imagination inspired by the philosophy of David Hume. His reasoning takes Hume's logic a step further by proposing a more sophisticated notion of sympathy, leading to a series of highly original theories involving conscience, moral judgment, and virtue. Smith's legacy consists of his reconstruction of the Enlightenment idea of a moral, or social, science that embraces both political economy and the theory of law and government. His articulate expression of his philosophy continues to inspire and challenge modern readers. |
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according action admiration affections agreeable altogether appear applause approbation Aristotle attention aversion beauty behaviour beneficence benevolence bestowed body breast called casuistry casuists cerned character Cicero commonly conceive conduct consider contempt contrary danger death degree deserve desire disagreeable disapprobation distress dreadful duty emotions endeavour Epictetus Epicurus equitable maxim eral esteem excite exertion exposed favour feel fellow-feeling fortune frequently friends gratitude greater greatest happiness honour human nature hurt imagination impartial spectator indignation indulgence injustice interest judge justice kind magnanimity mankind manner merit mind misfortunes moral motives never observed occasions ourselves pain particular passions perfect perhaps philosophers Plato pleasure praise principle prompt proper object propriety prudence punishment regard render resentment respect rules savage nations scarce seems seldom self-command sense sensibility sentiments sion situation society sometimes sorrow Stoics suffer superior sympa sympathy thing thought tion tranquillity true glory ural vanity vice virtue virtuous Voltaire weakness