The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Essential Life Skills You'll Learn
Critical Thinking Through Literature
Develop analytical skills by examining the complex themes and character motivations in The Theory of Moral Sentiments, learning to question assumptions and see multiple perspectives.
Historical Context Understanding
Learn to place events and ideas within their historical context, understanding how The Theory of Moral Sentiments reflects and responds to the issues of its time.
Empathy and Perspective-Taking
Build empathy by experiencing life through the eyes of characters from different times, backgrounds, and circumstances in The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
Recognizing Timeless Human Nature
Understand that human nature remains constant across centuries, as The Theory of Moral Sentiments reveals patterns of behavior and motivation that persist today.
Articulating Complex Ideas
Improve your ability to express nuanced thoughts and feelings by engaging with the sophisticated language and themes in The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
Moral Reasoning and Ethics
Develop your ethical reasoning by grappling with the moral dilemmas and philosophical questions raised throughout The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
These skills are woven throughout the analysis, helping you see how classic literature provides practical guidance for navigating today's complex world.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments explores how humans develop moral judgments through sympathy — our ability to imagine what others feel. Written 17 years before The Wealth of Nations, this is Adam Smith's forgotten masterpiece that reveals he was not the 'greed is good' economist of popular imagination.
Meet Your Guide
Sarah, 44
behavioral economics professor at state university
married, two kids, struggles to practice what he teaches
Throughout this guide, you'll follow Sarah's story as they navigate situations that mirror the classic. understanding human morality intellectually while failing to live it personally
Table of Contents
How We Feel Each Other's Pain
Why We Need Others to Feel With Us
How We Judge Others' Feelings
The Art of Emotional Harmony
Two Types of Virtue
When Your Body Betrays Your Image
Why We Can't Connect with Love
When Anger Serves Justice
The Social Passions That Draw Us Together
The Social Cost of Success
Why We Feel Others' Pain More Than Their Joy
Why We Chase Status and Fear Obscurity
The Stoic Way of Life
The Emotional Logic of Justice
When Justice Feels Right to Everyone
About Adam Smith
Adam Smith (1723-1790) was a Scottish philosopher and economist. He considered The Theory of Moral Sentiments his more important work, revising it throughout his life.
Get the Full Book
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Related Resources
You Might Also Like
Free to read • No account required