Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments

David Williams (University of Sheffield)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.3: Scottish Writing and Culture, 400-present.
Vol. editors: Kate Ash-Irisarri (University of Edinburgh), Daniel Cook (University of Dundee), J. Derrick McClure (University of Aberdeen)

Domains

Moral Philosophy and Ethics

Dates

First circulation or publication 1759

Places

Scotland (Country of Origin)

Genres and Modes

Treatise

Resources

While the moral and philosophical position adopted by Smith in the Theory seems on the surface to differ radically from the position adopted in the Wealth of Nations, the Theory actually contains the seeds of his later thinking on questions relating to political economy. The central conceptual feature of the Theory relates to the doctrine of sympathy, by which Smith meant each individual's natural ability to identify with the situation of another individual, and to align his feelings with those of the other: “However selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him” (Part I, …

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799 words

Citation: Williams, David. "The Theory of Moral Sentiments". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 08 November 2002 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=7917, accessed 26 November 2024.]

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