52 pages • 1 hour read
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
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Book Brief
368
Book • Nonfiction
Scotland • 1750s
1759
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Adam Smith explores the nature of human morality through the concepts of sympathy and the impartial spectator, suggesting that our moral judgments arise from observing others and imagining how an objective observer would perceive our actions. He reconciles the 18th-century ideas of benevolence and self-interest by integrating them within a divine framework, leading to his later economic theories in The Wealth of Nations.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
5,138 ratings
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Review Roundup
Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments is praised for its rich philosophical insights and foundational ethics concepts, influencing both economics and moral philosophy. Its complex prose can be challenging, but the depth of ideas remains relevant. Critics note it might be dense for casual readers but invaluable for serious scholars.
Who Should Read The Theory of Moral Sentiments?
A reader who enjoys philosophical exploration and ethics, particularly those fascinated by human behavior and morality, would appreciate The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith. Similar books targeting this audience include Immanuel Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals and David Hume's An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals.
5,138 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Francis Hutcheson
Francis Hutcheson
A moral philosophy professor at the University of Glasgow, recognized for his "moral sense" theory that greatly influenced his student, Adam Smith. His belief in the inherent goodness of humans underpins part of the philosophical framework explored by Smith.
David Hume
David Hume
A notable philosopher and a friend of Adam Smith who impacted Smith's thinking with ideas of self-interest and skepticism about human nature's primary reliance on reason. Despite not being directly named, his influence is present in Smith's work.
368
Book • Nonfiction
Scotland • 1750s
1759
Adult
18+ years
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