Adam Smith's "The Theory of Moral Sentiments": A Critical Commentary

Description

Many contemporary readers are just now discovering Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments (TMS). It is increasingly being recognised as a foundational text in moral philosophy and in Adam Smith's oeuvre more generally. This is the first companion to guide readers through TMS and uncover what Smith thinks, why he thinks it, why he might be wrong to think it! While Adam Smith is best known for a Wealth of Nations there is a history of seriously misinterpreting this text as an unnuanced celebration of unfettered capitalism. The Theory of Moral Sentiments is a kind of corrective to these naive readings. As such, any serious consideration of Adam Smith's work should also include TMS. John McHugh's guide provides detailed analysis of TMS while never losing sight of the text in the context of Smith's writings and world view more generally. It offers both an introduction to the importance and insight of TMS while also functioning as a great way in to Adam Smith as a philosopher.

John McHugh is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Denison University, USA. He is the editor of Francis Hutcheson: Selected Writings (2014), and a specialist in the work of Adam Smith.

Philosophers are regaining interest in the writings of Adam Smith and in this timely volume John McHugh has provided the first dedicated critical analysis of the whole of Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments. It is clear, well-written, and manages to balance philosophical rigour with accessibility. McHugh sympathetically translates Smith's eighteenth century prose into 21st century philosophical idiom in a fashion that is lucid, true to the ideas of the original, and sophisticated in its critical engagement. * Craig Smith, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in the Scottish Enlightenment, University of Glasgow, UK * McHugh provides us with something we've sorely lacked--a clear, philosophical introduction to Smith's claims and arguments in The Theory of Moral Sentiments. With lucid prose, historical sensitivity, and sharp insight, McHugh guides the reader through the intricacies of Smith's great text. This book ably engages the expert and aids the novice. * Colin Heydt, Professor of Philosophy, University of South Florida, USA * This is a careful and very accessible reading of Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments. John McHugh presents it as a contribution to both moral sentimentalism and virtue theory: proper sentiments guide virtuous persons' moral judgments and actions. Smith's engagement with and departure from David Hume's moral theory is a relevant topic. The reader gets a clear idea of Smiths account of moral judgments as both explanatory and normative. A highly recommended read for anyone interested in moral sentimentalism and its history. * Christel Fricke, Professor of Philosophy, University of Oslo, Norway *