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. 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. Smith views this as similar to switching places with another and yet retaining your consciousness, in other words, to "put yourself in their shoes". Thus because of sympathy we will naturally try to make our actions appealing to what others might be able to go along with. Sympathy is also a way that we can "step outside of ourselves" and regard our actions objectively. In this way, sympathy will normalize our behavior even if we are free to do as we choose. Smith's arguments | 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. Smith views this as similar to switching places with another and yet retaining your consciousness, in other words, to "put yourself in their shoes". Thus because of sympathy we will naturally try to make our actions appealing to what others might be able to go along with. Sympathy is also a way that we can "step outside of ourselves" and regard our actions objectively. In this way, sympathy will normalize our behavior even if we are free to do as we choose. Thus, sympathy is the foundation of rules and justice. Smith's arguments about moral sentiments which are based on this theory of sympathy is the foundation of modern normative economics. | ||
Revision as of 05:21, 1 May 2007
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. Smith views this as similar to switching places with another and yet retaining your consciousness, in other words, to "put yourself in their shoes". Thus because of sympathy we will naturally try to make our actions appealing to what others might be able to go along with. Sympathy is also a way that we can "step outside of ourselves" and regard our actions objectively. In this way, sympathy will normalize our behavior even if we are free to do as we choose. Thus, sympathy is the foundation of rules and justice. Smith's arguments about moral sentiments which are based on this theory of sympathy is the foundation of modern normative economics.
