The Theory of Moral Sentiments
In The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Adam Smith expresses his general system of morals. He explores the propriety of action, reward and punishment, sense of duty, and the effect of numerous factors on moral sentiment. In so doing, Smith devised innovative theories on virtues, conscience, and moral judgment that are still relevant and accessible today. The Theory of Moral Sentiments never loses its critical excellence in its good-natured understanding of human exploration for the meaning of being good.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments laid the psychological foundation on which The Wealth of Nations was later built on.
Adam Smith investigated the flip side of economic self-interest: the interest of the greater good.
Smith’s classic work advances ideas about conscience, moral judgement and virtue that have taken on renewed importance in science,and politics.
His legacy consists of his reconstruction of the Enlightenment idea of a moral, or social, science that embraces both political economy and the theory of law and government.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Of the Principle of Self-Approbation and of Self-Disapprobation
Chapter 2: Of the Love of Praise, and of that of Praise-Worthiness; and of the Dread of Blame, and of that of Blame-Worthiness
Chapter 3: Of the Influences and Authority of Conscience
Chapter 4: Of the Nature of Self-Deceit, and of the Origin and Use of General Rules
Chapter 5: Of the Influence and Authority of the General Rules of Morality, and that They are Justly Regarded as the Laws of the Deity
Chapter 6: In What Cases the Sense of Duty Ought to be the Sole Principle of Our Conduct; and in What Cases it Ought to Concur with Other Motives