Adam Smith

Broschiertes Buch

The Theory Of Moral Sentiments

Beschreibung

This book sets forth a theory of how we come to be moral, of how this morality functions on both individual and societal levels, and of what forces are likely to corrupt our sense of morality. The main point that Smith makes is that our sense of morality is derived from our capacity to sympathize directly and indirectly with other people. We wish both to be praised and to be worthy of this praise, as well as to avoid both blame and blame-worthiness. On account of these interests, we must learn to temper our reactions to other people, as well as our reactions to fortune: we are naturally more interested in our own affairs than anyone else is. Our actions are liable to become overblown and unacceptable unless we temper our egos and see ourselves in the same light in which society at large sees us. Smith believes in a benevolent and omniscient God, and concludes from this belief that our behavior is inherently moral.

Autor

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.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Gyan Books
• Seitenzahl: 394
• Erscheinungstermin: 1. Januar 2017
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 216mm x 140mm x 23mm
• Gewicht: 554g
• ISBN-13: 9789351283621
• ISBN-10: 9351283623
• Artikelnr.: 61994317