The Theory of Moral Sentiments

By Adam Smith

Published in 1759

Reference #0318

First Edition. “The Theory of Moral Sentiments” was published in 1759 and laid the foundations for Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith’s later works, including “The Wealth of Nations.”

In his “Moral Sentiments,” Smith proposes and puts forth his theory that humans are unknowingly led to improve society through their moral choices, which is often referred to as the “invisible hand”. Furthermore, he develops a code of ethics based on the case of a unifying principle of sympathy which Smith believed could delineate the harmonious and beneficial order of the moral world.

In this volume, Smith created not only a moral philosophy, but also a political one as he tries to anchor political economy into society by unintended consequences in pursuit of self-interest, while showing it is mechanical as well as both harmonious and beneficial.

Works By Adam Smith