Adam Smith: The Theory of Moral Sentiments

Adam Smith

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511800153

Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) lays the foundation for a general system of morals, and is a text of central importance in the history of moral and political thought. It presents a theory of the imagination which Smith derived from David Hume but which encompasses an idea of sympathy that in some ways is more sophisticated than anything in Hume's philosophy. By means of sympathy and the mental construct of an impartial spectator, Smith formulated highly original theories of conscience, moral judgment and the virtues. The enduring legacy of his work is its reconstruction of the Enlightenment idea of a moral, or social, science encompassing both political economy and the theory of law and government. This 2002 volume offers a new edition of the text with clear and helpful notes for the student reader, together with a substantial introduction that sets the work in its philosophical and historical context.

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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-iv
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Contents
pp v-vi
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Introduction
pp vii-xxiv
- By Knud Haakonssen, Boston University
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Chronology
pp xxv-xxvi
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Further reading
pp xxvii-xxviii
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Note on the text
pp xxix-xxx
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Abbreviations
pp xxxi-xxxii
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The Theory of Moral Sentiments
pp 1-2
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Advertisement
pp 3-4
- By Knud Haakonssen, Boston University
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Contents
pp 5-10
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Part I - Of the propriety of action
pp 11-77
- By Knud Haakonssen, Boston University
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Part II - Of merit and demerit; or, of the objects of reward and punishment
pp 78-127
- By Knud Haakonssen, Boston University
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Part III - Of the foundation of our judgments concerning our own sentiments and conduct, and of the sense of duty
pp 128-208
- By Knud Haakonssen, Boston University
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Part IV - Of the effect of utility upon the sentiment of approbation
pp 209-226
- By Knud Haakonssen, Boston University
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Part V - Of the influence of custom and fashion upon the sentiments of moral approbation and disapprobation
pp 227-247
- By Knud Haakonssen, Boston University
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Part VI - Of the character of virtue
pp 248-312
- By Knud Haakonssen, Boston University
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Part VII - Of systems of moral philosophy
pp 313-404
- By Knud Haakonssen, Boston University
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Index
pp 405-411
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Cambridge texts in the history of philosophy
pp 412-413
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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-iv

Contents
pp v-vi

Introduction
pp vii-xxiv

Chronology
pp xxv-xxvi

Further reading
pp xxvii-xxviii

Note on the text
pp xxix-xxx

Abbreviations
pp xxxi-xxxii

The Theory of Moral Sentiments
pp 1-2

Advertisement
pp 3-4

Contents
pp 5-10

Part I - Of the propriety of action
pp 11-77

Part II - Of merit and demerit; or, of the objects of reward and punishment
pp 78-127

Part III - Of the foundation of our judgments concerning our own sentiments and conduct, and of the sense of duty
pp 128-208

Part IV - Of the effect of utility upon the sentiment of approbation
pp 209-226

Part V - Of the influence of custom and fashion upon the sentiments of moral approbation and disapprobation
pp 227-247

Part VI - Of the character of virtue
pp 248-312

Part VII - Of systems of moral philosophy
pp 313-404

Index
pp 405-411

Cambridge texts in the history of philosophy
pp 412-413

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Adam Smith: The Theory of Moral Sentiments

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