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 | | Adam Smith: The Theory of Moral Sentiments (Cambridge Texts in the History of Philosophy) by Adam Smith, Knud Haakonssen (Editor) ISBN-10: 0521591503 ISBN-10: 0-521-59150-3 ISBN-13: 9780521591508 ISBN-13: 978-0-521-59150-8 Hardcover 2002-02-11 Cambridge University Press Find Lowest Price |
Editorials | ||
Product Description Adam Smith's major work of 1759 develops the foundation for a general system of morals, and is a text of central importance in the history of moral and political thought. Through the idea of sympathy and the mental construct of an impartial spectator, Smith formulated highly original theories of conscience, moral judgment and the virtues. This volume offers a new edition of the text with helpful notes for the student reader, and a substantial introduction that establishes the work in its philosophical and historical context. | ||
Download Description What can he added to the happiness of the man who is in health, who is out of debt, and has a clear conscience? To one in this situation, all accessions of fortune may properly be said to be superfluous; and if he is much elevated upon account of them, it must be the effect of the most frivolous levity. This situation, however, may very well be called the natural and ordinary state of mankind. | ||
Reviews | ||
Wrongly Ignored The Theory of Moral Sentiments gets far too little attention. Smith's other book, The Wealth of Nations, is perhaps the most famous book on economics ever. Yet one can hardly understand the WON without also reading The Theory of Moral Sentiments. Many modern economists interpret the idea of the invisible hand of markets in terms of competitive general equilibrium. Other people simplistically assert that Smith believed that `greed is good'. The Theory of Moral Sentiments is Smith's explanation of the moral prerequisites of capitalism. In keeping with the enlightenment, there is an optimistic tone to this book. We are naturally sympathetic and can be empathetic. Yet Smith is not naïve about less admirable human characteristics. The positive side of human nature must be nurtured. The Theory of Moral Sentiments should receive more attention as a matter of history. After all, this is a major part of Smith's explanation of commercial society. We cannot understand Smith with the Wealth of Nations alone. More importantly, the lessons of this book are no less valid today than they were centuries ago. We must follow Smith by delving deeply into moral issues if we are to really understand the potential benefits of commercial society. | ||
Nature of Sympathy There is no doubt Adam Smith is one of the greatest minds in history and this book embodies his insights on human nature. He did a theoretical review of ancient perspectives on moral theories, followed by his comments on each of the different schools of thoughts. It is always enjoyable to see how he explains and refutes on the fallacies of those thinkings, and in the process offers refined versions to the original. Though several examples of his brilliance have been mentioned by other comments, two uncited instances/traits of this book are probably worth mentioning: 1.) His insights on the system of sympathy. His analysis on sympathy is about as clear and concise as one could get, and is definitely enlightening to those not well learnt in moral philosophy. Symphathy, accordingly, was the basis for much of human emotions, and he argued forcefully on how the system of sympathy works in shaping our bahaviors and emotions, and how sympathy works differently when perceived situation changes. However, his usage of the word `sympathy' seems to cover the domain of both `compassion' and `sympathy' in normal man's vocabulary, indirectly suggesting that both are actually the same sentiment but differed because of different standpoints. Though so, one of his greatest contributions to moral philosophy is in the construction of this descriptive system of sympathy. 2.) His ability to strip twisted logics into manageable pieces and reconstruct them into good logic. For example, he explained that the doctrine of Bernard Mandeville, who "by means of this sophistry that he establishes his favorite conclusion, that private vice is public benefits." It is obvious from Adam Smith's point of view that private vice is not equal to public benefit, but because of the sophistication of the logical deduction involved, the less skillful or diligent minded people will fall prey to it. A quote from Part VI Section VII "These, described and exaggerated by the lively and humorous, though coarse and rustic eloquence of Dr Mandeville, have thrown upon his doctrines an air of truth and probability which is very apt to impose upon the unskillful." Anyway, there's lots of wisdom in this book, so read it slowly and only when you could focus your attention on it. There are some who find this book too long, but frankly it is not. Every sentence makes a point. Lastly, a favorite quote for your enjoyment: "Though none but the weakest and most worthless of mankind are much delighted with false glory, yet, by a strange inconsistency, false ignominy is often capable of mortifying those who appear the most resolute and determined." | ||
Incomplete I guess it says so somewhere in the fine print, perhaps even in the medium sized print. But I just wanted a copy of TMS and this one seemed reasonably cheap. So I bought it. It's a pamphlet consisting of the first 'book' or chapter. In other words, sold as TMS it's a hoax - probably about a third to a fifth of the actual book. And I'm in Australia so I doubt there's any mileage in returning it. TMS is a great book. This is not. | ||
4.5 stars-A masterpiece but only after Part VI was added in 1790 The other reviewers have covered Smith's theoretical concern of basing our moral judgements on a foundation of sympathy or sentiment when our impartial mental spectator requires us to walk a few miles, hypothetically, in the other person's shoes before rendering judgement. The most important part of the book is Part VI, added in the year Smith died-1790.It is here that he provides the theoretical foundation for his recommendations in WN that the government is the only institution that can neutralize the severe negative impacts emanating from the Invisible Hand process of self interest and the division of labor.Smith's recommendation is that all working class members receive ,free if necessary,an education combined with religious instruction in order to deal with the dark side of the Invisible Hand process that negatively impacts the moral,political,social,martial,and intellectual development of all members of the working class(See pp.734-741 of the Modern Library(Cannan)edition of the Wealth of Nations).Part VI of the 6th and final edition of TMS establishes the need to promote morality as a necessary public good.The importance of virtue in societal interactions takes center stage.This can only be implemented by the provision,on a massive scale,of education and religious instruction for all members of the working class.Otherwise,society will be unable to prevent the "...entire corruption and degeneracy of the great body of the people".(See Smith,p.734;see also the 5 additional repetitions of this conclusion that appear on pp. 734-741). I deduct a half star because Smith failed to fully alert the reader of the importance of Part VI. | ||
Contemporary importance of a 250 year old book. After reading Paul J. Zak's "Values and Value: Moral Economics" (Gruter Institute Projecct on Values and Free Enterprise)in which he refers to Smith's book on morals, I wanted to reread a book that I had read several decades ago when I was studying economic theory. It continues to be most engaging. Zak noted that "of Adam Smith's two great books, the The Theory of Moral Sentiments is typically considered much less important than the Wealth of Nation, though this view is starting to change." There is much current attention to ethics; much of it is "how to.. ." guidance and generally quite superficial. Rereading Smith's profound observations -- that continue to have relevance -- is refreshing and enlightening. Smith recognized the significance of "virtuous behaviors" . . and understood well that shared moral behaviors are prerequisistes for a successfully-functioning society. Chapters with titles such as "Of the Amiable and Respectable Virtures," "Of the social Passions," Of the Selfish Passions." are illustrative of the introductory sections topics. A rereading reminds me of words of the founding fathers of the U. S. -- of the early leaders throughout the developing country. Smith wrote in the early decades of the 19th century; there is a quaintness to his language, but his insight is not lost. His writing provides the joy that beautiful antique furniture from the same century delights the eye; his book will delight the mind. | ||