Question

3. What is the general theme of Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments? How does it relate to his Wealth of Nations? 20 marks

Answer 1

General theme :

1. It shows that our moral ideas and actions are a oroduct of our very nature as social creatures.

2. It says that social psychology is a better guide to moral action than reason.

3. It identifies the basic rules of prudence and justice that are needed for society to survive , and explains the additional actions that enable it to flourish.

4. As social creatures , we are also endowed with a natural sympathy and empathy towards others.

5. Though we are self interested, we again have to work out how to live alongside others without doing them harm.

6. Virtue, prudence , justice and benefience are important. However the ideal must be that any impartial person , real or imaginary would fully emphasise with our emotions and actions.

Relation with wealth of nations :

Moral sentiments is about the history of ethics and Wealth Of Nations is about the history of economic ideas and critique of political economy .

main message of moral sentiments was that social psychology is a better guide to moral action.

main message of wealth of nations was that our individual need to fulfill self interests results in social benefits.

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