{"product_id":"the-theory-of-moral-sentiments-9780486452913","title":"The Theory of Moral Sentiments","description":"The foundation for a general system of morals, this 1749 work is a landmark in the history of moral and political thought. Readers familiar with Adam Smith from \u003ci\u003eThe Wealth of Nations\u003c\/i\u003e will find this earlier book a revelation. Although the author is often misrepresented as a calculating rationalist who advises the pursuit of self-interest in the marketplace, regardless of the human cost, he was also interested in the human capacity for benevolence -- as \u003ci\u003eThe Theory of Moral Sentiments\u003c\/i\u003e amply demonstrates.\u003cbr\u003eThe greatest prudence, Smith suggests, may lie in following economic self-interest in order to secure the basic necessities. This is only the first step, however, toward the much higher goal of achieving a morally virtuous life. Smith elaborates upon a theory of the imagination inspired by the philosophy of David Hume. His reasoning takes Hume's logic a step further by proposing a more sophisticated notion of sympathy, leading to a series of highly original theories involving conscience, moral judgment, and virtue.\u003cbr\u003eSmith's legacy consists of his reconstruction of the Enlightenment idea of a moral, or social, science that embraces both political economy and the theory of law and government. His articulate expression of his philosophy continues to inspire and challenge modern readers.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Dover Publications","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50655440044306,"sku":"9780486452913","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_53c4996c-d1c3-4770-be24-ea5ff8d56fa9.jpg?v=1748521939","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments-9780486452913","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}