Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments

David Williams (University of Sheffield)
Download PDF Add to Bookshelf Report an Error

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, chapter 1). For Smith a theory of economics must take account of what holds society…

799 words

Citation: Williams, David. "The Theory of Moral Sentiments". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 08 November 2002 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=7917, accessed 29 March 2024.]

7917 The Theory of Moral Sentiments 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

Save this article

If you need to create a new bookshelf to save this article in, please make sure that you are logged in, then go to your 'Account' here

Leave Feedback

The Literary Encyclopedia is a living community of scholars. We welcome comments which will help us improve.