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The Theory of Moral Sentiments was written by Adam Smith in 1759. It provided the ethical, philosophical, psychological and methodological underpinnings to Smith’s later works, including The Wealth of Nations (1776), In The theory of Moral Sentiments Smith divides moral philosophy into four parts: Ethics and Virtue; Private rights and Natural liberty; Familial rights (called Economics); and State and Individual rights (called Politics). … More >>
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This book, the first published by Adam Smith, was very favorably received when it was first appeared in 1759. Within a few generations, however, it was largely neglected due to various turns taken in moral philosophy. Smith’s approach is to paint the moral aspect of living in vivid colors, so that it literally inspires virtuous conduct. But in doing so, Smith never preaches; instead, he illustrates the beauty of virtue even over the practical advantages of living as though one were an “Ideal Observer” or spectator. This perspective plays a large role in his work, for according to Smith the moral perspective, and indeed conscience itself, is largely a function of adopting the point of view of the “person principally concerned” in morally relevant situations, and subsequently sympathizing with the perspective of the various parties involved. Sympathy for Smith is not soft-heartednes (nor headedness), but is instead identification with the motives and feelings of the parties involved. The volume includes one part devoted to an examination of the history of ethical theory, interpreted through the lense of Smith’s own sentimentalist theory. One thing that should be noted about The Theory of Moral Sentiments is that it goes a good way in correcting the impression that Smith was a laissez-faire capitalist, and indeed the sentiments expressed here make it clear that the popular conception of Smith as first and foremost an economist concerned with automatic regulation resulting from an “invisible hand” (a phrase used only twice in all of Smith’s writings, as explained by the editors in the excellent introduction to this volume), do not mesh well with the historical facts. He was a professor of Moral Philosophy at Glasgow University, and is reputed to have declared himself most proud, not of his most (and justly) famous, The Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, but of this book instead. Indeed, his headstone reads, “Here Lies Adam Smith, Author of The Theory Of Moral Sentiments and of The Wealth of Nations.” The book’s major shortcoming is its ultimately unsatisfying appeals to human nature at junctures where people clearly have disagreements. Smith’s defense of retributive justice is an example, for today we might well see ourselves as involved in a struggle to move beyond such a conception of what constitutes appropriate behavior, despite the natural propensity that we may have toward it. Despite its age, this book will inspire and challenge people now struggling with moral dilemmas, and the comparatively confusing moral climate of our own time. It is good to see it in print, and it is good to see moral philosophers and others beginning to discuss its significance once again. I recommend it highly.
July 2, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Rating: 5 / 5 -
Those who are looking for an answer to the age old question, ‘Why should we be moral?’ will be, in a sense, disappointed by this book. Smith from the get-go, shifts the question. Instead he asks, ‘Why ARE we moral?’ Subtle difference? It’s bigger than you may think.
Smith takes our moral nature as a given. Humans are born with an innate capacity for sympathy. We identify others as like ourselves and unless otherwise provoked, do not want to hurt others. We also have an innate desire for esteem. We learn early that treating others kindly gains us admiration in the same way that we naturally admire kind people. This is the core of Smiths thesis and from here he puts examines these principles across an array of human behaviors. Why do we tell truths when we could tell undetected lies? Why would we do kindly to others even if esteem of peers is not gauranteed? Why would some die for their family members or their country?
Probably the trait Smith admires most is prudence; the art of knowing what is and is not appropriate action both in our subjective judgement and that of an imagined ‘impartial spectator.’ The prudent person is able and willing to put herself in the context of other people. ‘Although an action seems justified to me, would others see it that way?’ ‘Would satisfying small desire X of mine be an obstacle to other’s fulfillment of larger desires?’
It goes on from there. Smith puts these ideas well to the test going through scenario after scenario. Because of this, I would say this book should be shelved in psychology, not philosophy as it simply tries to give an account of the way we think. Thus the philosopher looking for a forcefully stated, internally consistent and completely reasoned ‘moral system’ will not find it in these pages. Smith takes us only so far but when asked ‘Why do we have these inclinations to be moral and gain esteem,’ he simply answers that it is in our nature. This may be the best answer we can hope for, but it will leave some philosophers unsatisfied.
Regarding the length, IT IS TOO LONG!! With a good editor, 200 pages could’ve easily been cut. I would even say that the last section, examining flaws in existing moral systems is not necessary and can be skipped. Aside from length, it is a joyful read, though. Smith is an excellent writer and certainly better than Hume, Locke and others of the day. As a conclusion, those looking to bridge the chasm in the ‘Wealth of Nations’ between Smiths simultaneous advocation of free trade and his disdain for unchecked greed in all it’s forms…look no further than “Theory of Moral Sentiments.”
July 2, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Rating: 4 / 5 -
In contrast to extreme rationalists and proponents of the selfish gene theory, Adam Smith argues that the beginnings of morality are innate, in the sense that our connection to other human beings makes us sensitive to their needs and sentiments. Morality is thus learned through experience of feeling (sentiments) that connect us to others (thus the title: theory of moral sentiments).
This is an outstanding book, full of magnificent observations about human life and values. Smith provides the theoretical underpinnings for the workings of a capitalist system by rejecting the idea that selfishness and self-interest are synonymous. For Smith’s ideal to exist, humans would have to pay attention to the development of moral conscience. It is a startling conclusion, and allows us to comprehend more fully Smith’s other great work, The Wealth of Nations. If the Amazon.com rankings allowed a ten, this would be a ten!
July 3, 2010 at 12:06 am
Rating: 5 / 5 -
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, is 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 situations changed. 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.”
July 3, 2010 at 2:54 am
Rating: 5 / 5
To truly understand Adam Smith’s economic masterpiece “The Wealth of Nations”, one must understand its moral foundation. Without Smith’s essential prequel, “The Theory of Moral Sentiments”, the more famous “Wealth of Nations” can easily be misunderstood, twisted, or dismissed. Smith rightly lays the premise of his economics in a seedbed of moral philosophy — the rights and wrongs, the whys and why-nots of human conduct. Smith’s capitalism is far from a callous, insensitive, greed-motivated, love-of-profits-at-any-cost approach to the marketplace, when seen in the context of his “Moral Sentiments.” [Note: This book is a "page for page reproduction" of a two volume edition published in 1817, which is reflected in my pagination references.]
Smith’s first section deals with the “Propriety of Action”. The very first chapter of the book is entitled “Of Sympathy”. This is very telling of Smith’s view of life, and his approach to how men should conduct their lives. “How 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, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it.” (p 1:1). Later Smith asserts that this “sympathy, however, cannot, in any sense, be regarded as a selfish principle.” (p 2:178)
This propriety of conduct undergirds all social, political and economic activities, private and public. When Smith observes that “hatred and anger are the greatest poisons to the happiness of a good mind” (p 1:44) he is speaking not only of interpersonal relationships but of its moral extensions in the community and world. Smith treats the passions of men with clinical precision, identifying a gamut of passions like selfishness, ambition and the distinction of ranks, vanity, intimidation, drawing examples from history and various schools of philosophy. He extols such quiet virtues as politeness, modesty and plainness, probity and prudence, generosity and frankness — certainly not the qualities of the sterotypical cartoon of a capitalist robber-baron. Indeed Smith is contemptuous of the double standards employed by cults of celebrity: “The great mob of mankind are the admirers and worshippers…of wealth and greatness” paying lip-service to wisdom and virtue, yet Smith oserves, “there is scarce any man who does not respect more the rich and the great, than the poor and the humble. With most men the presumption and vanity of the former are much more admired, than the real and solid merit of the latter. It is scarce agreeable to good morals or even good language…that mere wealth and greatness, abstracted from merit and virtue, deserve our respect.” (p 1:79) Tragically, the wealthy celebrity foists a dangerous pattern upon the public, “even their vices and follies are fashionable;and the greater part of men are proud to imitate and resemble them in the very qualities which dishonour and degrade them.” (pp 1:81-82) For Smith, wealth is not the criteria of real success. He laments the political-correctness of his day: “Vain men often give themselves airs…which in their hearts they do not approve of, and of which, perhaps, they are not really guilty. They desire to be praised for what they themselves do not think praiseworthy, and are ashamed of unfashionable virtues….There are hypocrites of wealth and greatness, as well as of religion and virtue; and a vain man is as apt to pretend to be what he is not, in the one way, as a cunning man is in the other.” (p 1:82) Smith, the moralist also warns that taken too far such trendy fashions of political-correctness can wreck havoc on society: “In many governments the candidates for the highest stations are above the law; and, if they can attain the object of their ambition, they have no fear of being called to account for the means by which they acquired it. They often endeavor, therefore, not only by fraud and falsehood, the ordinary and vulgar arts of intrigue and cabal; but sometimes by the perpetration of the most enormous crimes…to supplant and destroy those who oppose or stand in the way of their [supposed] greatness.” (p 1:83)
With such salient observations Smith embarks in a survey of vices to avoid and passions to govern. He describes virtues to cultivate in order to master one’s self as well as the power of wealth. These include courage, duty, benevolence, propriety, prudence and self-love [or as we would say, self-respect]. He develops a powerful doctrine of “moral duty” based upon “the rules of justice”, “the rules of chastity”, and “the rules of veracity” that decries cowardice, treachery, and falsity. The would-be-Capitalist or pretended-Capitalist who violates any of the rules of moral duty in the accumulation of wealth and power in or out of the marketplace is a misanthrope who may dangerously abuse the wealth and position he acquires. Smith describes a moral base rooted in sympathy not selfishness as the basis for an economic system which has been labeled Capitalism. The real Capitalist operates without purposely harming other men, beasts or nature; in this sense capitalism is more a stewardship than an insensitive, mechanistic mercantilism or a crass commercialism. This book is a vital component to any reading of “The Wealth of Nations”. “The Theory of Moral Sentiments” is the life-blood or soul of “The Wealth of Nations”. Without “Moral Sentiments” one is left with an empty, even soulless, economic theory that can be construed as greedy and grasping no matter how much wealth may be acquired.
July 2, 2010 at 7:43 pmRating: 5 / 5