According to Smith, how do we determine whether or not an act is moral?

According to Smith, why do we ourselves perform moral acts?

How do the concepts of “sympathy” and “the impartial spectator” work together to inform our moral conduct?

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Get ready to explore The Theory of Moral Sentiments and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Theory of Moral Sentiments Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Of the Propriety of Action”, Part 1, Section 1: “Of the Sense of Propriety” - Part 1, Section 3: “Of the Effects of Prosperity and Adversity upon the Judgment of Mankind with Regard to the Propriety pf Action; and Why It Is More Easy to Obtain Their Approbation in the One State Than the Other”

Part 1 The Theory of Moral Sentiments Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Of Merit and Demerit; Or, of the Objects of Reward and Punishment”, Part 2, Section 1: “Of the Sense of Merit and Demerit” - Part 2, Section 3: “Of the Influence of Fortune upon the Sentiments of Mankind, with Regard to the Merit or Demerit of Actions”

Part 2 The Theory of Moral Sentiments Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Of the Foundation of Our Judgments Concerning Our Own Sentiments and Conduct, and the Sense of Duty”

Part 3 The Theory of Moral Sentiments Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Of the Effect of Utility upon the Sentiment of Approbation” - Part 5: “Of the Influence of Custom and Fashion upon the Sentiments of Moral Approbation and Disapprobation”

Parts 4-5

The Theory of Moral Sentiments Parts 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Of the Character of Virtue” - Part 6, Section 2: “Of the Character of the Individual, so Far as It Can Affect the Happiness of Other People”

Part 6 The Theory of Moral Sentiments Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Of Systems of Moral Philosophy” - Part 7, Section 3: “Of the Different Systems Which Have Been Formed Concerning the Principle of Approbation”

The Theory of Moral Sentiments

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