The Theory of Moral Sentiments is a philosophical work by Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith. In this book, Smith explores the foundations of human morality, arguing that sympathy, or the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is the basis for moral judgments. He introduces the concept of the "impartial spectator," an internal voice that guides individuals in determining right from wrong, independent of self-interest. Smith examines various aspects of human behavior, such as justice, virtue, and the influence of social relationships on moral development.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments laid the groundwork for Smith's later writings on economics, including his ideas on self-interest, which would become central in his seminal book, The Wealth of Nations. Smith challenges the notion that human actions are driven solely by self-interest, highlighting instead the role of empathy, social norms, and the desire for mutual respect.
This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.
Adam Smith (16 June 1723 - 17 July 1790) was a Scottish economist, philosopher and author as well as a moral philosopher, a pioneer of political economy and a key figure during the Scottish Enlightenment, also known as ''The Father of Economics'' or ''The Father of Capitalism.'' Smith wrote two classic works, The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776). The latter, often abbreviated as The Wealth of Nations, is considered his magnum opus and the first modern work of economics. In his work, Adam Smith introduced his theory of absolute advantage. Smith studied social philosophy at the University of Glasgow and at Balliol College, Oxford. After graduating, he delivered a successful series of public lectures at the University of Edinburgh, leading him to collaborate with David Hume during the Scottish Enlightenment. Smith obtained a professorship at Glasgow, teaching moral philosophy and during this time, wrote and published The Theory of Moral Sentiments. In his later life, he took a tutoring position that allowed him to travel throughout Europe, where he met other intellectual leaders of his day. Smith laid the foundations of classical free market economic theory. The Wealth of Nations was a precursor to the modern academic discipline of economics. In this and other works, he developed the concept of division of labour and expounded upon how rational self-interest and competition can lead to economic prosperity. Smith was controversial in his own day and his general approach and writing style were often satirised by writers such as Horace Walpole.
