What the classicals said: Difference between revisions

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===Adam Smith===
===Adam Smith===


In one of his most famous works, ''The Theory of Moral Sentiments'', Smith introduces the idea of sympathy as a guiding force for our actions in society.
In one of his most famous works, ''The Theory of Moral Sentiments'', Smith introduces the idea of sympathy as a guiding force for our actions in society.  More akin to what we might call empathy, Smith's idea of sympathy is our ability to identify ourselves with others and to in some sense share in the pain and pleasure which we see them receive, in other words, to "put ourselves in their shoes".

Revision as of 04:48, 1 May 2007

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Merits of considering both traditions

Adam Smith

In one of his most famous works, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith introduces the idea of sympathy as a guiding force for our actions in society. More akin to what we might call empathy, Smith's idea of sympathy is our ability to identify ourselves with others and to in some sense share in the pain and pleasure which we see them receive, in other words, to "put ourselves in their shoes".