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Adam smith-The moral principle of sympathy

16 June 1723-17 July 1790

The Theory of Moral Sentiments

The wealth of nations

Division of Labor

He contributed the idea about workers being skilled at one particular job rather than being good at everything.This was known as the division of labor theory.

Adam Smith’s concept of sympathy

In “The Theory of Moral Sentiments” (1759), Adam Smith defines sympathy as the effect that is produced when we imagine that another person’s circumstances are our own circumstances, and find their reaction to the circumstances to be reasonable. In so doing, we respond by experiencing a smaller-scale version of their feelings, even though we do not share the circumstances that incited their response.

Smith suggests that sympathy arises under two different conditions: first, when we are aware of another person’s circumstances, and imagine our response; second, when we see another person’s response, and are able to imagine their circumstances.

Smith has an account of the nature of moral judgment, and its development, that is richer and subtler than Hume's; he offers a prototype for modern Aristotelianism in morality; he brings out the importance of the imagination to moral development as few other philosophers have done.The richness of his ideas, and their quiet plausibility, earn him a place among the most important of modern moral and political philosophers

Presentation was made by: Margarita Petrova

Published works

In the work, Smith critically examines the moral thinking of his time, and suggests that conscience arises from social relationships. His goal in writing the work was to explain the source of mankind's ability to form moral judgements, in spite of man's natural inclinations towards self-interest. Smith proposes a theory of sympathy, in which the act of observing others makes people aware of themselves and the morality of their own behaviour.

Key concepts

Laissez-Faire

Adam Smith contributed the idea about reducing the role of government intervention and taxation in free market.

Capitalism

Adam Smith is considered the father of capitalism.

Who is Adam Smith ?

Adam Smith-a Scottish moral philosopher, pioneer of political economy, and key Scottish Enlightenment figure.He was well educated, having attended Glasgow and Oxford, two of the most prestigious schools in the world. He began teaching logic at the University of Glasgow in 1751, was promoted to chair of the moral philosophy in 1952 and wrote his Theory of Moral Sentiments, while there, in 1759. This paper established him on the international scene and helped him gain the reputation that he had throughout his life. Smith is cited as the "father of modern economics" and is still among the most influential thinkers in the field of economics today.

Personality and beliefs

Adam Smith may be the most famous economist and economic theorist of all time. His theories have influenced the way economic markets all over the world have functioned for many, many years. His theories will continue to be studied by students of economics, perhaps for centuries to come.

Not much is known about Smith's personal views beyond what can be deduced from his published articles. His personal papers were destroyed after his death at his request.He never married, and seems to have maintained a close relationship with his mother, with whom he lived after his return from France and who died six years before his own death.

Smith was described by several of his contemporaries and biographers as comically absent-minded, with a smile of "inexpressible benignity".He was known to talk to himself, a habit that began during his childhood when he would smile in rapt conversation with invisible companions.He also had occasional spells of imaginary illness, and he is reported to have had books and papers placed in tall stacks in his study.

Thank you for your attention !

Bibliography

http://philosophyofsocialcognition.pbworks.com/w/page/16442005/Adam%20Smith%E2%80%99s%20concept%20of%20sympathy

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/smith-moral-political/

http://www.surfnetkids.com/go/1222/adam-smith/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Theory_of_Moral_Sentiments

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Smith

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