The theory of moral sentiments

Description

The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith’s first and in his own mind most important work, outlines his view of proper conduct and the institutions and sentiments that make men virtuous. Here he develops his doctrine of the impartial spectator, whose hypothetical disinterested judgment we must use to distinguish right from wrong in any given situation. We by nature pursue our self-interest, according to Smith. This makes independence or self-command an instinctive good, and neutral rules as difficult to craft as they are necessary. But society is not held together merely by neutral rules; it is held together by sympathy. Smith argues that we naturally share the emotions and to a certain extent the physical sensations we witness in others. Sharing the sensations of our fellows, we seek to maximize their pleasures and minimize their pains so that we may share in their joys and enjoy their expressions of affection and approval. - Publisher.

Subjects

Other Editions

• The theory of moral sentiments: or, An essay towards an analysis of the principles by which men naturally judge concerning the conduct and character, first of their neighbours, and afterwards of themselves : to which is added, a dissertation on the origin of languagesPrinted for W. Strahan, J. & F. Rivington, W. Johnston, T. Longman; and T. Cadell ..., and W. Creech at Edinburgh1774-01-01
• The theory of moral sentimentsMicroformEdinburgh1759-01-01
• The theory of moral sentimentsMicroformPrinted for A. Millar, A. Kincaid and J. Bell in Edinburgh1761-01-01
• The theory of moral sentiments.Printed for A. Millar, A. Kincaid and J. Bell in Edinburgh; and sold by T. Cadell1767-01-01
• An essay towards the analysis of the principles by which men naturally judge concerning the conduct and characterPrinted for J. Beatty and C. Jackson ...1777-01-01
• The theory of moral sentimentsMicroformprinted for W. Strahan, J. and F. Rivington, T. Longman; and T. Cadell; and W. Creech at Edinburgh1781-01-01